.......Officials Express Satisfaction
By Kayode Olopade
The reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise by the Lagos State Government has recorded encouraging compliance across the state, with residents actively participating in the clean-up initiative aimed at promoting public health and environmental sustainability.
Top government officials, including the First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, monitored the exercise in the Ikoyi-Obalende axis, observing residents’ level of adherence to the sanitation directive.
Simultaneously, the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, alongside the Chairman of Agege Local Government, Abdulganiu Obasa, led enforcement and monitoring efforts within Agege, one of the state’s densely populated areas.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection tour, Mrs. Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction with the turnout and compliance level, describing the exercise as a promising start.
According to her, the initiative, which holds on the last Saturday of every month between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., is gradually gaining acceptance among residents.
She noted that many Lagosians came out voluntarily to clean their surroundings, while commercial activities were largely suspended during the exercise period.
“For a first-time exercise since its reintroduction, the response is commendable. We have seen residents actively participating, and there is a clear indication that people are beginning to embrace the culture,” she said.
The First Lady emphasized the importance of sustaining daily environmental cleanliness, urging residents not to limit sanitation efforts to the monthly exercise alone. She also highlighted the involvement of students as part of efforts to instill environmental responsibility in younger generations.
“We are leading by example and catching them young by involving students. Cleanliness should be a daily habit, not just a monthly routine,” she added.
In his remarks, Mr. Agoro acknowledged the need for continuous sensitisation but commended residents for their cooperation, particularly in Agege.
“This is the first exercise, so awareness still needs to be intensified. However, the turnout is impressive, and the streets are visibly cleaner,” he said.
He clarified that movement restrictions were not enforced, attributing reduced vehicular activity to voluntary participation by residents, including commercial drivers who chose to clean their environments.
Agoro stressed the link between environmental hygiene and public health, warning that poor sanitation contributes to the spread of diseases.
“Cleanliness is essential to preventing infections and maintaining a healthy society. We must all take responsibility for keeping our environment clean,” he stated.
Also speaking, Mr. Wahab commended Lagosians for their cooperation, noting that the high level of compliance reflects a shared commitment to a cleaner and safer city.
“The response has been encouraging. Residents want a clean Lagos, and this exercise is about building a sustainable culture. Dedicating just two hours monthly to environmental sanitation is not too much,” he said.
He further disclosed that the government would introduce a performance-based assessment among local governments, with recognition and rewards for the cleanest councils.
On his part, Mr. Obasa reiterated the commitment of Agege Local Government to environmental management, highlighting ongoing sanitation efforts within the council.
“We have consistently aligned with state directives and have put structures in place, including over 250 sweepers, compactors, and drainage maintenance teams to ensure cleanliness,” he said.
He described the revived sanitation initiative as a commendable step toward achieving a cleaner Lagos.
The monthly environmental sanitation exercise, recently revived by the state government, is part of broader efforts to promote hygiene, prevent disease outbreaks, and enhance the overall livability of Nigeria’s commercial capital.
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