The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to residents against dumping refuse into canals and drainage channels, citing the risks of flooding and environmental degradation. The warning was given during the October edition of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, which was monitored by the wife of the governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in the Ajina area of Ikorodu Local Government Area. The exercise aims to promote environmental cleanliness and encourage residents to adopt proper sanitation practices.
The governor's wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urged residents of Ikorodu to sustain the sanitation exercise beyond the last Saturday of every month. She expressed hope that the local government would emerge as the cleanest in the state and stressed the importance of continuous public sensitisation in promoting environmental cleanliness. Dr Sanwo-Olu encouraged residents to adopt proper sanitation practices in their homes, schools, markets, and communities, emphasising that keeping Lagos clean is a collective responsibility.
The Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, monitored the exercise in Ikeja and expressed concern that government officials observed some residents dumping refuse into canals during the exercise. He described sanitation as a continuous responsibility and urged local government chairmen and their executives to mobilise residents and intensify efforts to improve environmental cleanliness. Mr Agoro noted that the Ministry of the Environment had been notified to clear the affected canals, while arrangements were being made to reconstruct a canal in the area.
The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Mr Akeem Dauda, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for sustaining the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. He described the exercise as an important platform for mobilising residents and promoting environmental responsibility. Mr Dauda said the council had been sensitising communities on the need to stop dumping refuse into canals and other unauthorised locations.
The sanitation exercise in Ikeja covered several areas, including Onilekere Street, Saidu Street, Olumo Street, Ijesha Close, and Olúkòyí Street. The exercise was participated in by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Tunbosun Ogunbanwo; and members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).
The state government has introduced an environmental sanitation competition among all local government areas to encourage cleanliness and promote healthier environmental practices. Under the initiative, the local governments will compete for recognition as the cleanest in Lagos State, with the winner expected to be announced soon. This move aims to foster a sense of competition and encourage local governments to take ownership of environmental cleanliness.
The Lagos State Government's efforts to promote environmental cleanliness and prevent flooding are ongoing. The government has warned that clearing the canals would have little impact if residents continued to dispose of waste indiscriminately. Residents are urged to cooperate with the government and adopt proper sanitation practices to maintain a clean and healthy environment. The monthly environmental sanitation exercise will continue to be an important platform for promoting environmental responsibility and encouraging residents to take action.
Key points
- The Lagos State Government has warned residents against dumping refuse into canals and drainage channels.
- The government has introduced an environmental sanitation competition among local government areas to encourage cleanliness.
- Residents are urged to adopt proper sanitation practices to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
