The Lagos State Government has reiterated the importance of maintaining good sanitation practices among residents to ensure a clean, flood-free, and sustainable environment across the state. This was emphasized during the Weekly Community-Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign, which was held on Sunday at Omobokun Street, Ekimogun Underbridge, Iyana Oworo in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, led the advocacy efforts, stressing that all residents must make proper sanitation a daily habit. He highlighted that the Weekly Community-Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign was introduced as a precursor to the reintroduction of the monthly sanitation exercise, which will soon be formally announced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“What we are trying to do is to ramp up sensitization and advocacy before the formal commencement of the monthly environmental sanitation,” Wahab stated. He also warned that some houses in the Bariga area, which have been found to have illegally channeled their septic tanks into drainage systems or built fences over drainage channels, will soon be sealed by the appropriate agency.
The Commissioner urged residents to support the government’s efforts by regularly cleaning the drainages in front of their homes and avoiding illegal waste disposal. He stressed that it is crucial for everyone to take ownership of the infrastructure provided by the government.
Addressing the issue of flooding in the area, Wahab noted that the government would reassess the claims made by community members that sandfilling activities at the Oworo end are responsible for the flooding incidents in Ekimogun. He assured the community that the government is committed to finding a lasting solution to the flooding problem.
Wahab further mentioned that the environmental advocacy campaign has been effective, with previously visited communities showing sustained improvements in cleanliness and public health.
The Chairman of Bariga LCDA, Honourable Kolade Alabi, also spoke at the event, expressing concern over the deterioration of Ekimogun Road, which was commissioned by Governor Sanwo-Olu. He attributed the road’s poor condition to the unsanitary habits of residents, urging them to stop littering roads and canals, bag their waste properly, and patronize the PSP waste disposal service.
In addition, the Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) announced that Bariga LCDA has been selected to host a recycling facility under the Waste to Wealth initiative, which aims to reduce illegal waste disposal in the area. He assured residents that waste bins will soon be made available to all households in Bariga.
Hon. Suliat Oguns, Senior Special Assistant on Environmental Health for Bariga LCDA, pledged the community’s support for the state government’s initiatives. She assured that residents would ensure proper waste disposal and make effective use of the infrastructure provided by the government.
The Lagos State Government’s ongoing sanitation advocacy campaign reflects its commitment to fostering a cleaner, healthier environment for all residents, while also addressing critical issues like flooding and waste management.