“Refuse dumped on roads, medians, drainage channels and other unauthorised places contributes to flooding, environmental degradation and public health risks.”
AMUWO ODOFIN, LAGOS – Residents, Community Development Associations (CDAs), market associations and other grassroots stakeholders have been urged to take greater responsibility for proper waste disposal as part of efforts to build cleaner, healthier and flood-free communities across Lagos State.
The Lagos State Government said environmental sustainability begins with individual actions and can only be achieved when communities work together to maintain a clean environment.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji, gave the charge during a Stakeholders’ Environmental Enlightenment Campaign held at Amuwo-Odofin Local Government.
Represented by the Director of the Environmental Assessment Department, Dr. Olasunkanmi Sojinu, he said indiscriminate waste disposal remains one of the biggest environmental challenges facing many Lagos communities.
Communities Must Lead
Gaji noted that refuse dumped on roads, medians, drainage channels and other unauthorised places contributes to flooding, environmental degradation and public health risks.
He stressed that while the government will continue to provide infrastructure, formulate policies and enforce environmental laws, lasting success depends on residents embracing responsible waste disposal.
According to him, businesses, market associations, transport operators, religious organisations and Community Development Associations all have important roles to play in promoting cleaner neighbourhoods.
“We would rather educate than prosecute, prevent than penalise and build a culture of environmental responsibility across our communities,” he said.
Grassroots Partnership
The Permanent Secretary called on Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas to intensify environmental advocacy at the grassroots by mobilising residents and strengthening community participation.
He also urged traditional rulers, CDAs, market associations, transport unions, the media and the private sector to champion proper sanitation practices within their respective communities.
Residents were encouraged to patronise only approved Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators, avoid dumping refuse in drains and public spaces, and report environmental violations through the appropriate government channels.
Clean Communities, Better Living
Earlier, the Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi, said a clean environment promotes economic activities, attracts investment and improves the quality of life of residents.
He described environmental cleanliness as a shared responsibility and urged community members to become ambassadors of proper waste management in their homes, markets, workplaces and neighbourhoods.
The enlightenment campaign brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, market associations, transport unions, environmental stakeholders and residents to strengthen grassroots participation in environmental sustainability.
