LASG Champions Clean Environment, Calls Residents to Action

Lagos State Government has called on residents, market traders, artisans, NGOs, and businesses to prioritize environmental cleanliness to combat disease spread.

At the 2024 World Clean-up Day event in Bada Community, Oshodi/Isolo, Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu emphasized the importance of continuous community involvement in keeping the environment clean.

He highlighted the global significance of the event, themed “Make Room for Life,” urging residents to make cleanliness a lifestyle rather than blaming the government for issues like flash floods caused by poor sanitation.

“Good sanitation practices are a collective responsibility,” he stated. “Residents cannot keep accusing the government while they dump waste in drainages.”

Rotimi-Akodu stressed that with the political season over, it’s time to focus on governance, including the adoption of proper sanitation habits.

He warned that a dirty environment breeds diseases such as diarrhoea, malaria, and typhoid, and reminded the public of the recent cholera outbreak in Lagos.

The government’s clean-up efforts in Bada Community, targeting drainages, streets, and other public spaces, were designed to encourage regular environmental maintenance.

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He urged residents to avoid improper waste disposal and to support Private Sector Partnership (PSP) services for better waste management.

He also appealed to market traders to view KAI Officials as partners rather than adversaries, noting that proper sanitation practices would prevent market closures by KAI.

Rotimi-Akodu cited the closure of Oja-Oke Idera Market in Oshodi due to unsanitary conditions as a response to complaints from whistleblowers and customers.

He expressed gratitude to those who participated in the clean-up and stressed the need for ongoing efforts across the state.

Earlier, Dr. Hassan Sanuth, Director of Sanitation Services, noted that the United Nations designates a day each September for global environmental cleaning, urging participants to align with the Governor’s vision to enhance the state’s aesthetics, tourism, and economy.

Iyaloja-General of Oshodi/Isolo Market, Mrs Sekinat Ejide Adeyanju, thanked the government for its efforts, committing market traders to continuous sanitation practices and responsible waste disposal.

The event also included clean-up activities on Peluola Street in Mafoluku Oshodi and the sealing of Oja-Oke, Idera Market for unsanitary practices.

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