In a significant step towards youth empowerment in the green sector, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Green VET Africa, have hosted a maiden workshop, highlighting the potential in green waste management and entrepreneurship.
The event, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ikeja, was co-funded by the European Union, aiming to provide hands-on learning experiences for young participants from Nigeria and Ghana.
The workshop which followed a series of Green VET Project trainings geared towards equipping youths with skills in sustainable waste management and entrepreneurship, was supported by LAWMA’s technical expertise, to address the growing need for vocational education in the sector.
Delivering the keynote address, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by the Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, emphasised the Authority’s commitment to circular economy, where waste was viewed as a valuable resource.
He said, “LAWMA’s key role is to attain a sustainable environment which can only be achieved if we all embrace sustainable waste management practices. We want to have a city where we will all be conscious of our actions and cherish our waste as a resource”.
Gbadegesin expressed delight at LAWMA’s involvement in the initiative, adding that the workshop would help enrich knowledge, providing entrepreneurial opportunities in the process.
“The Authority is honoured to be a major player in this green initiative. So many people are ignorant of the opportunities in waste management. This workshop will no doubt bridge the knowledge gap and also expose each and everyone here, to some technological innovations in this sector, which can be leveraged for entrepreneurship advantage”, he said.
Margerita Treslini, the Area Marketing Director of Apodissi, co-founder, and General Manager, representing Green VET Africa, highlighted the origins of the initiative, which according to her, was born out of the realisation that vocational training in waste management was underdeveloped in both Europe and Africa.
“Our mission is to organise developmental training programmes in waste management in Africa, having observed the sector is not given the required attention, especially the opportunities in the sector. Spain, Ghana and Nigeria are involved in this project and we are grateful LAWMA has helped us with her technical expertise and knowledge in the waste sector, to train 100 students from Nigeria and Ghana. Here we are today, all the trainees have been taught and we progress from there”, she said.
LAWMA’s Project Director for Green VET Africa, Mrs. Ademola Elizabeth, gave an overview of the project’s objectives, which aligned with the European Green Deal’s environmental goals. She explained that the project aimed to equip 100 participants from Lagos and Kumasi, with essential skills in green waste management and micro-entrepreneurship, to boost their employability.
“Basically, this project is to promote technical vocational training for youths in Nigeria and Ghana. A total number of 100 participants have been trained in Lagos and Kumasi, respectively on green waste management and micro-entrepreneurship to improve participants’ entrepreneurial and employability skills”, she noted.
Speaking further on the team’s achievement so far, Ademola noted that one of the major gains of the initiative was the identification of specific stakeholders in the green waste management sector, who would share their experiences in the entrepreneurship journey.
“Today is all about articulating all that have been learnt into actionable goals. That is why we have invited stakeholders in the waste management sector, who will share their success stories, with challenges, so that the participants can learn from their experiences.” she stated
Also in her presentation, Mrs. Jirinsola Olaleye, Head of LAWMA’s Circular Economy Department, who spoke on “Recycling: The Lagos Story”, encouraged participants to embrace the habit of sorting waste at the source, a crucial step towards a more sustainable environment.
The workshop also included a goodwill message from Mr. Olugbenga Adebola, President of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), who commended the Green VET Africa initiative, stressing the importance of collaboration to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Representing the Lagos Recyclers Association, Financial Secretary, Mrs. Omoh Alokwe, spoke on behalf of the president, Dr. Femi Idowu, emphasising the vast opportunities in recycling and urging participants to remain focused despite challenges.
The workshop featured breakout sessions where participants discussed the opportunities and challenges in the recycling sector, followed by group presentations and feedback.
Other notable attendees included Polysmart Group Managing Director, Mr. Wasiu Balogun; CEO of HygienePlus, Mr. Abdul Ganiy Oyekunle; a representative from United Waste, Mr. Haroon Bello, among others.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has scaled up operational activities to tackle the challenge of marine waste along the Lagos coastline, in commemoration of this year’s World Cleanup Day, with the theme: “Arctic Cities and Marine Litter”.
To this end, it has intensified efforts to rid water bodies in the state of waste debris, through the deployment of marine waste operatives, to mitigate the environmental and health hazards posed by marine litter along the coastline.
According to the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Lagos with a thriving coastal ecosystem, faces significant challenge of indiscriminate dumping of waste into its rivers, canals, and lagoons, leading to growing accumulation of marine litter, threatening the state’s rich biodiversity and human health.
He said, “We are deeply concerned about the rising level of waste that finds its way into our waterways. Marine pollution is not only a local issue, but also a global challenge, especially for cities along the coast like Lagos. LAWMA is committed to ensuring that we rid our water bodies of the litter that endangers both human and marine life”.
Gbadegesin stated that LAWMA had spearheaded an initiative aimed at combating marine waste, with the agency’s Marine Waste department, playing a pivotal role in clearing waste from Lagos waterways using specialised boats and equipment, with the efforts further supported by community sensitisation programs, to educate residents on proper waste disposal and recycling, particularly in coastal areas.
“Our Marine Waste Unit has recorded tremendous success, removing tons of waste from our waterways. But this challenge requires collective responsibility. We urge residents, especially those living in coastal and riverine communities, to be more responsible in waste management. Every piece of litter that ends up in the water poses a serious threat to our environment”, he added.
The LAWMA boss said that, as part of activities for this year’s World Clean-up Day, the Authority organised clean-up campaigns across waterfronts in the state, urging the populace to show a sense of responsibility in the quest to preserve aquatic and human lives in the metropolis.
He said further that the Authority would embark on motorised advocacy in the coming days, in Lekki and Ajah axis, to sensitise residents on the dangers inherent in dumping waste indiscriminately, especially in water bodies.
“World Cleanup Day is an opportunity for everyone to take direct action. Our waterways are a vital part of Lagos’ identity, and it’s our collective duty to protect them. I urge all residents to join us in cleaning up the city, not just because its world cleanup day but we should make it a habit. It’s not just about today; it’s about instilling long-term habits that prevent waste from reaching our water bodies”, Gbadegesin stressed.
For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.) Director, Public Affairs 20/09/2024
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, has called for the use of biodegradable and compostable packaging materials by food processing companies, as an eco-friendly option, for a sustainable environment.
He made the call at the 11th edition of the PROPAK West Africa 2024: Smart Packaging Conference, held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Unlocking Nigeria Food Security: Implementation of Smart Packaging to Reduce Waste”, the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, underscored the role of food packaging and processing industries in driving economic growth, charging the industry players to shape the future of the industry to an eco-friendly one.
He said, “The industries represented here today are integral to Nigeria’s economy. They form the backbone of our industrial and manufacturing sectors, supporting various key areas such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and fast-moving consumer goods. The development of these industries is vital to ensuring our national growth and competitiveness in the global market.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the central themes of the conference, which focused on implementing sustainable packaging to reduce food waste and exploring cross-sectoral responsibilities in the plastics industry,were crucial for Nigeria’s economic stability, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of the citizenry.
“Packaging for food security is a national priority as Nigeria continues to grow in both population and economic ambition. Despite our rich agricultural resources, we still face significant post-harvest losses due to inadequate processing, packaging, and storage. In fact, it is estimated that up to 40% of food produced in Nigeria is lost before it reaches the consumer”, he stated.
He urged stakeholders to embrace sustainable packaging technologies with urgency, stressing the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to manage plastics responsibly and drive innovations that protect the environment.
“I encourage every stakeholder here to embrace the themes of this year’s event with urgency and determination. We must actively seek out ways to implement smart packaging technologies that ensure food security and reduce waste. We must collaborate across sectors to manage plastics responsibly and push forward innovations that protect both our economy and our environment”, he remarked.
In his presentation at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, highlighted the immense global challenge of food loss and waste, which he noted was a significant contributor to environmental degradation and resource wastage, in regions like Africa, where food security was still an issue.
He said, “According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), roughly one-third of the annual food produced globally for human consumption—approximately 1.3 billion tonnes—is lost or wasted. These losses are particularly unfortunate in Africa, where approximately 20 percent of the population is undernourished.”
Gbadegesin outlined the proactive steps of Lagos State Government to address plastic waste issues and to promote sustainable packaging solutions, including the recent ban on single-use plastics, as part of the state’s broader strategy to reduce negative environmental impact.
He said “On the 22nd of January 2024, the Lagos State Government announced a ban on the usage and distribution of styrofoam packs and other single-use plastics, as part of efforts to shift the food industry towards a more sustainable practices. Also, in February 2024, Lagos State amplified the need for sensitization of our Food Systems’ Champions on modern ways of packaging, storage, and transportation of agro-produce”.
Speaking further, the LAWMA boss x-rayed various innovative packaging solutions that could transform the food industry, stressing that sustainable packaging was not only about protecting products but also about safeguarding the environment, necessitating a shift from conventional plastics use, which posed severe environmental hazards.
According to him, “Innovative sustainable packaging must meet all requirements for product safety, waste prevention, shelf life, hygiene, and health. Plastic packaging waste raises the biggest concerns on environmental impact, with 40% of disposable food packaging ending up in ways that negatively affect the environment, such as landfilling and microplastics”, he noted.
He further highlighted several sustainable packaging options, including bioplastics, biodegradable films, and plant-based packaging materials, emphasising their role in a circular economy, where packaging does not burden the environment but rather harmonises with it, pointing out the effectiveness of the solutions, particularly in reducing waste and enhancing product shelf life.
He contended that the eco-friendly solutions were not just environmentally beneficial but also aligned with consumer preferences and market trends, adding that a significant portion of consumers now prefer brands that engage in environmentally responsible practices, creating new opportunities for businesses that adopt sustainable packaging.
He said “Statistics show that 45% of customers prefer engaging with environmentally responsible brands such as those that offer eco-friendly food packaging solutions. Out of these consumers, 44% claimed that they would rather settle with a brand that supports recycling and food waste reduction.
“As we navigate the path toward a greener future, biodegradable packaging remains a pivotal solution for a sustainable world. It offers businesses a chance to enhance their reputation while minimising environmental impact, particularly in waste management and landfill diversion”, he concluded.
Also speaking, the Director-General of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi, noted that the event was a potential avenue to creating a great future where everyone would have access to nutritious food and smart packaging, adding that the organisation was committed to prioritising the interest of consumers.
Other speakers were: Vice president, World Packaging Organisation, Mr. Kofi Essuman, Regional Director Afrocet Montgomery, George Pearson, President African Packaging Organisation, Ahmed Omeh, among others.
For waste management related issues and complaints, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617, or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has called on private organizations and residents to adopt streets and communities as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to enhance environmental cleanliness across Lagos State.
Dr. Gbadegesin who spoke on both Lagos Television’s “The Conversation” and Channels TV’s “Sunrise” programs emphasised the importance of community involvement in maintaining sanitation, urging businesses and individuals to play a more active role in the cleanliness of their immediate environments.
“Adopting a street or community is an excellent way for organizations to contribute meaningfully to the city’s cleanliness efforts. It goes beyond just placing bins; it’s about taking responsibility for the cleanliness and maintenance of entire neighborhoods. This initiative will also serve as a strong CSR strategy, benefiting both the environment and the organizations involved,” Dr. Gbadegesin explained.
Speaking further, he linked the recent cholera outbreak to poor environmental practices such as open defecation and illegal waste disposal, stressing that these could be mitigated through sustained community sanitation efforts. He added, “Sanitation should be a daily habit, ingrained in our culture, and this is what we should be teaching our children.”
Commenting on the on-going community clean-up campaign by LAWMA and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, he stated that, “What we are doing right now is sensitisation, and yes, the monthly sanitation exercise is coming back. We are going from community to community, engaging with local stakeholders, and addressing residents’ challenges.”
The LAWMA boss said that the Authority was moving on with the “Adopt a Bin” program, aimed at encouraging households to containerise their waste effectively.
“The new LAWMA smart bins are revolutionising household waste management. We aim for every home to have its own bin, making it easier for residents to properly contain their waste. To make this accessible, we have introduced a 24-month installment plan. What sets these bins apart is their smart technology: “Each bin is equipped with an RFID tag and geolocation capabilities. This allows us to track when bins are empty, ensuring efficient service from our operators,” he stressed
Gbadegesin also highlighted the state government’s collaboration with the private sector to enhance waste disposal facilities, including a memorandum of understanding with Jospong Group to build material recovery facilities and modern landfills in Lagos, adding that LAWMA was also working with local government authorities to establish community recycling centers, to provide residents with dedicated spaces to dispose of recyclables and receive incentives.
On LAWMA Academy, he said, “We are teaching the next generation about the value of recycling and the importance of maintaining a clean environment. Currently, we have an on-going summer school that will last for a month, and in the next few months, we are going to open a portal for online classes with certification on the LAWMA Academy website.”
He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to improving the welfare of street sweepers, adding that the agency was implementing health insurance and skill development programs for its sweepers.
Folashade Kadiri (Mrs.) Director, Public Affairs 13th August, 2024
The Lagos State Government on Sunday emphasized the importance of good sanitation practices amongst all residents in order to ensure a clean, flood free, safe and sustainable environment across the state.
The emphasis was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab during the Weekly Community Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign held at Omobokun Street, Ekimogun Underbridge Iyana Oworo, Bariga Local Council Development Area adding that all residents must make good sanitation practices a daily affair.
He said the Weekly Community Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign was introduced to promote good sanitation practices amongst residents before the formal commencement of the monthly Sanitation Exercise.
“What we are trying to do is to ramp up sensitization and advocacy before the formal commencement of the monthly environmental Sanitation which will soon be announced by the Governor,” he said.
He mentioned that some houses in the area have been investigated and were found to have channelled their septic tanks into the drainages and some have built their fences on the drainage channels adding that these houses will soon be sealed by the appropriate Agency.
He implored residents to support Government effort through regular cleaning of the drainages in front of their houses and desist from the unwholesome act of illegal waste disposal saying it is expedient for everyone to take ownership of all infrastructure provided by the government.
On the issue of flooding experienced in the area, Wahab said government will reassess the claims by the community members that the sandfilling carried out at Oworo end is responsible for the flooding incidents encountered in the Ekimogun area, adding that government is determined to proffer a lasting solution to flooding in the area.
He maintained that the environmental advocacy campaign has been effective as the communities earlier visited at the commencement of the advocacy programme have been revisited and these communities have sustained the clean up and the communities are cleaner and healthier.
Wahab encouraged residents to embrace Good Environmental Habits stressing that this would reduce the burden on the health sector and ensure the effects are positive on the infrastructure provided by government.
The Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, Honourable Kolade Alabi while speaking, said that Governor Sanwo-Olu commissioned the Ekimogun Road but it was disheartening that the road is in a sorry state because of the unsanitary attitude of residents.
“We the residents of Bariga must therefore stop littering our roads and canals with wastes, we must bag our wastes in our respective homes and always patronise the PSP” he said.
He said the government is determined to ensure the Environment is always Clean and as such every house in Bariga must own a bin which would be made available by the government at a reasonable amount.
The Managing Director Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) informed that Bariga Local Government has been identified as one of the Local Council Development Areas that will accommodate a recycling facility adding that the Waste to Wealth facility will reduce illegal waste disposal in the area.
He enjoined all residents to collaborate with the government to ensure that Lagos is free of garbage saying that waste bins will soon be made available to tenements in Bariga.
In her response, the Senior Special Assistant on Environmental Health, Bariga Local Government, Hon. Suliat Oguns pledged the support of people of the Bariga Community saying the community residents would ensure that waste is properly disposed and infrastructure provided by the State Government will be effectively utilised.
Get Waste Bin for a Clean Environment – LAWMA boss tells Lagosians
…says smart bins will revolutionalise waste management in the state
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has charged Lagos residents to acquire waste bins for domestic storage of waste, to promote a clean home and sustainable environment.
He gave the charge at LAWMA headquarters, Ijora Olopa, on Tuesday, during the demonstration of evacuation of LAWMA smart bins, by waste evacuation trucks.
Gbadegesin stated that the introduction of the smart bins in the state’s waste management system, was a game changer, as it would quicken the process of waste collection by assigned PSP operators.
He said, “The smart bin has added features that improves the functionality. For example, this smart bin has a RFID chain that will enable us to know when it is emptied by the PSP operators. With this bin, we are able to know if they are working, so that we can use that to monitor and assess their performance”.
“The smart bin is geolocated to a specific residence. That means when you buy the smart bin, we deliver it to a house and pin it to that house. So forever, the bin is associated with that house. If it is stolen, we can track it, tell where the bin is, and monitor it remotely in our control room. The bins are not only smart but also durable. It has a 15-year warranty. So it gives comfort to every resident, and it’s good quality for money,” he added.
He noted that the durability and ability to track the location of the bin, set it apart from the traditional waste bins, adding that the smart bins were colour coded, to encourage waste separation and recycling among residents.
“Getting this bin means you have now come into the new waste management system we are developing in the state. We have two types of bins: the green one for general waste and the blue for recycling. If you have the recycling bin, there is an opportunity for you to get incentives for the recyclables that you collect”, he enthused.
“I urge every Lagosian to embrace this innovation. It’s 2024, and with Artificial intelligence and other innovations, Lagos can’t afford to be left behind. If you want to be part of the new Lagos, you need to get this smart bin. It will help us achieve our shared goal of keeping Lagos clean”, he stressed.
He appealed to the populace to imbibe the innovative initiatives introduced by the Authority to improve waste management in the state, urging them to shun indiscriminate dumping and engage the services of assigned PSP operators.
For more information on LAWMA’s initiatives, please visit www.lawma.gov.ng or call our toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617.
Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.) Director, Public Affairs 30/07/2024
As Lagos State Government intensifies its monthly sanitation awareness programme, it has hinted of plans to introduce smart waste bins for every tenement in the state.
This statement was made by the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu when he led other state officials during the ongoing weekly sanitation awareness and cleaning exercise held at Ajeromi Local Government adding that indiscriminate Waste disposal is a major contributor to prevalence of communicable diseases.
Akodu who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mr. Gaji Omobolaji and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services Engr Mahamood Adegbite said the issue of a cleaner environment is a serious issue that requires the collective effort of Government and the Citizens.
Akodu said the Smart Bin had become neccesary to monitor the activities of PSP operators as well as the refuse disposal rate of Lagosians, appealing to residents and market leaders in the area to make clean environment a priority as they go about their daily business activities.
The Special Adviser noted that it was unfortunate that Lagos State was one of the states where Cholera broke out, saying this is a result of persistent insanitary habits of some of the residents.
He reiterated that the team is embarking on the weekly exercise to encourage the citizenry to have a changed mindset and imbibe the culture of cleanliness towards the environment.
“We want to work more with the people and raise the bar on good sanitary practices; we are ramping up our advocacy and sensitization to achieve a positive change and ideology of the people” he said.
He said the present Administration is deeply concerned about achieving a clean environment and wellbeing of the residents, but it is disheartening that most roads, road medians markets and motor parks across the metropolis were adorned with refuse dumped by residents who do not want to patronise PSP operators.
He added that from the stretch of Marine beach and Mobil Road towards Ajegunle boundary to Alayabiagba market, the roadside and road median were filled with heaps of wastes adding that the corpse of a baby was found on the roadside during the exercise, saying that now is the time for everyone to desist from the unwholesome act against the environment.
He recalled that the Alayabiagba market was closed last year because of the insanitary habits of traders saying the market is gradually deviating from the standards set by government after it was reopened.
He stated that reports gathered from the weekly Community Sanitation Exercise / Advocacy campaign has revealed that majority of the people are yearning for the return of the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise across the state.
“We must therefore stop littering our market, and motor parks with wastes, we must bag our wastes in our respective market and homes and ensure we patronize PSP operators, stop creating illegal dumpsites on road medians, kerbs, open spaces, and road setbacks and start policing our environment”, he emphasized.
He appealed to the community leaders and market leaders present to educate the people on the dangers of dumping on the road median as was noticed along the stretch of Marine beach and Mobil Road in the axis.
The Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin explained expatiated that the State Government would soon role out Smart Bins with notifications for all houses stressing that the chips attached to the bins would notify LAWMA when the PSP Operators fail to pick up wastes at the appropriate time.
He said safe, clean and sustainable environment is the function of all residents and not the government alone adding that everyone must make good sanitation practices a way of life and support the effort of the government.
In their responses, a cross section of the community leaders including the Baale, Babaloja of Ajeromi Ifelodun and CDC Chairman present all appealed to the State Government to reconsider the introduction of monthly sanitation exercise.
The clamored that in the very recent past most market and areas had waste police which prevented littering, adding more people need to be enlisted to become LAWMA policemen in our neighbourhoods.
The Special Adviser was also accompanied by the Managing Director LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin; General Manager LASPARK, Mrs. Toun Popoola; KAI Marshal, Major Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd); General Manager, LASWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi and some Directors from the ministry.
The team visited Mobil Road/ Apapa / Ajeromi / Ajegunle boundary and Alayabiagba market.
In continuation of the community sanitation and advocacy campaign recently kicked off by the state government, LAWMA Academy interns, the 34th set, also known as Team Eco Resilience, on Wednesday, sensitised residents of Otto Community, Lagos Mainland, on the the need to imbibe proper waste management.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, represented by the Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, told residents to make personal hygiene and proper waste management, a way of life.
He said the task of ensuring a clean environment was not LAWMA’s alone, but a collective responsibility, adding that residents should get covered bins for disposal of their waste, to avoid the spread of diseases.
Gbadegesin also invited interested youths in Otto community, to register as interns at LAWMA Academy, noting that, “When graduate youths from the community register as interns, they can spread awareness about what they have learned. Various opportunities now exist in waste management. To benefit, we must open our eyes to the possibilities around us.”
In his response, the CDA chairman of Otto community and CDC chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, Saloko Muiz Babatunde, implored residents in the area, to join the weekly clean-up exercise, to be organised by the community, warning that those who failed to join would be sanctioned.
Representative of the Oloto of Otto Community, Prince Fuhad Oloto and chief of staff to Oloto, Honourable Akeem Esuru-osho, pledged support for LAWMA and compliance with environmental regulations.
In a related development, traders of United Amu Market have taken it upon themselves to clean up their business premises, in response to last Sunday’s sanitation awareness effort at Alamutu Market, Idi-Oro, by officials of the Lagos State Government.
Reacting to this, LAWMA Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, commended the traders for their sense of responsibility towards their environment, urging other markets in the state to take a cue from that, and observe proper sanitation and hygiene around their business facilities.
“Achieving a clean and livable city of our dreams requires everyone to play their own part, we cannot afford to watch the beauty of the state erode due to indiscriminate refuse dumping and nonchalant attitude. The environment is ours to cherish and preserve. Let’s keep Lagos clean”, he said.
You would recall that some officials of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and LAWMA, including the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, last Sunday, visited Alamutu Market, Idi-Oro, Mushin, for a comprehensive community-based sanitation/ sensitisation exercise.
For more information on LAWMA’s initiatives, please visit www.lawma.gov.ng or call our toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617.
The Lagos State Government on Sunday reiterated its commitment to continue to take the sanitation advocacy Campaign for residents round the state until residents imbibe the culture of good environmental sanitation and hygienic practices.
Addressing Market traders / residents at Alamutu Market, Idi – Oro Mushin during the community based Sanitation Exercise/ Sensitization, the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi – Akodu, said maintaining a clean environment is a must for all residents to keep all types of disease at bay.
Akodu who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Omobolaji Gaji and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr Mahamood Adegbite and Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin had earlier engaged in cleaning the drainage on Agege Motor Road by desilting it, while a waste truck carted it away.
He explained that the clean up exercise is a follow up to the Mr Governor’s pronouncement on Community based Sanitation, saying the environment must be clean and food handling process must be also hygienic to ensure socio -economic wellbeing of all residents.
While addressing traders at Alamatu market on the state of the environment, Akodu reminded them that the market was shut down late last year as a result of the unsanitary habits advising the traders to clean the market and environs and the heaps of refuse immediately while desisting from street trading.
“As we all know that all forms of diseases are spread through contaminated water and food that are results of unhygienic and poor sanitation practices such as open defecation, poor waste management and poor personal hygiene amongst others. As such our Sanitation Exercise should be an everyday practice and not only on thursdays” he said.
He said the community sanitation / Advocacy is a continuous exercise that will move across the 57 LGs / LCDAs as well as public spaces, markets amongst others with the aim of sustainable good sanitation practices amongst the people.
He said the state is embarking on this advocacy campaign to ensure that the citizens voluntarily continue with the culture adding that if there is no positive change Government may consider a reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercises.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, whilst also speaking, said the exercise was to create awareness among the residents on the importance of sanitation practices as a veritable means of controlling and preventing communicable diseases.
“If we deal with the environment properly, the environment will also treat us right and our life span will surely be increased” he said.
He charged all residents to take charge of their environment by cleaning it always and ensuring they blow the whistle when their neighbours engage in unsanitary behaviours as the government cannot be everywhere.
The Managing Director, LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin noted that part of the essence of the exercise is to ensure that every house in Lagos own a waste bin and residents should always patronise the PSP operators and not the cart pushers
He said if all residents keep their environment clean always and bear in mind the importance of good sanitation practices in the state, the exercise would improve the economic activities across the metropolis.
Areas visited include Agege Motor Road; Alamatu Market, Idi – Oro; Labinjo Street; Adeyanju Street and Makinde Street all in Mushin Local Government Area.
