The Lagos State Government has renewed its call on residents to embrace a culture of environmental cleanliness and responsible waste disposal as the monthly environmental sanitation exercise continues to gain momentum across the state.
Officials who monitored the fourth edition of the exercise on Saturday expressed satisfaction with the increasing level of public participation but stressed that sustaining cleaner communities would require a lasting change in residents' attitudes towards environmental hygiene.
Speaking during the exercise at Eputu London in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, applauded residents for their commitment, noting that many had begun cleaning their surroundings several days before the official sanitation period.
She described the development as a sign of growing environmental awareness among residents and commended families, particularly children and youths, for actively participating in the exercise.
According to her, the deliberate involvement of young people is aimed at nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
"We noticed that many residents started cleaning their surroundings days before the exercise. That shows that environmental consciousness is gradually taking root. Our children have also participated from early in the morning because we want to catch them young and make environmental responsibility a way of life," she said, adding that students in tertiary institutions would also be incorporated into future exercises.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the government was strengthening the state's waste management system through ongoing upgrades at the Olusosun Waste Transfer Loading Station and the planned establishment of a Material Recovery Facility.
Wahab urged residents to desist from dumping refuse on roads, medians and drainage channels, stressing that effective waste management requires collective responsibility.
He advised residents to report any failure by Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators to evacuate waste to the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) for prompt intervention.
While assuring residents that public enlightenment campaigns would continue, the commissioner warned that environmental laws would be strictly enforced against violators.
In Badagry, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Rotimi Akodu, blamed many of the state's environmental challenges on poor waste disposal habits and called on residents to support government efforts aimed at achieving a cleaner and healthier Lagos.
He commended Community Development Associations (CDAs), Community Development Committees (CDCs) and students for participating in the sanitation exercise, describing the inclusion of young people as a strategic investment in the state's environmental future.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe, disclosed that the council had established a Waste Police Unit to strengthen enforcement of environmental regulations and complement the state's sanitation initiatives.
He reaffirmed the council's commitment to working closely with the state government to improve environmental sanitation and promote a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.
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