Author: Admin

LASG REITERATES COMMITMENT TO STOP FURTHER WETLANDS ENCROACHMENT

Lagos State Government on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to stop all forms of encroachments and misuse of wetlands in the state for better preservation of the biodiversity.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for the Environment and
Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello during an advocacy programme on Wetlands and Biodiversity Conservation for Lagos Central Senatorial District held at Yaba Local Council Development Area.

He added that the State Government has commenced the identification of all Wetlands within the five divisions in Lagos State.

He said that government is planning to review the draft policy on wetlands management and conservation of its Biodiversity (2016) with a view to restore, protect and conserve degraded wetlands in Lagos State for better use.

He said the Advocacy Programme themed ‘WE’RE PART OF THE SOLUTION # FOR NATURE, is part of effort towards creating awareness on the importance of preserving wetlands and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

The Commissioner represented by the Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Mobolaji Gaji explained that the afore mentioned is achievable by addressing the growing challenges in preventing wetlands encroachment in the state, restoring degraded wetlands, protecting identified wetlands and restriction of human activities on wetlands areas.

He added that it is the responsibility of everybody in the State to ensure proper soil management and fight biodiversity loss adding that Government, Organizations, Communities and Individuals around the world must be encouraged to commit to proactively improving Wetland Management.

According to him, ”there is no better time than now for us as a State Government that is very concerned about the state of our wetlands to scale-up the level of awareness as it affects residents in the Lagos Central Senatorial District and enlighten you on the importance of Wetlands Conservation”.

“Please recall that the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021 to 2030 stated the fundamental and urgent need for the restoration of ecosystem to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by ‘Preventing, halting and reversing the degradation of ecosystems worldwide through Advocacy/Sensitization Programme’” he said.

He said that climate change is of great concern and matter of global importance caused by Biodiversity loss and wildlife habitat destruction as a result of the growing demands of Industrialization, Housing needs as well as Urbanization in the Society today.

” In order to maintain the effective functionality of the wetlands ecosystem, it is important that action be taken now to protect it from the urban encroachment that is beginning to make its mark” he stressed.

He explained that Wetlands are important features in the landscape that provide numerous beneficial services for people, fish and wildlife adding that
Some of these services and functions include protecting and improving water quality, providing food, habitat for fish and wildlife, storing floodwaters and maintaining surface water flow during dry periods.

Bello revealed that holding capacity of Wetlands helps control floods and prevents water logging of crops, preserve and restoring wetlands together with other water retention

The Commissioner said the benefits of proper Wetlands Management abound, hence it is imperative for the State Government to act now to mitigate against adverse effects of wrong management of this ecosystem.

“Government is committed to protecting and improving the wetlands flora and fauna, its biodiversity, conservation and management through efficient ecosystem functions not because it is a habitat to a wide range of species of plants and water animals, but to sustain the livelihood of millions of people that depend on these regions for their survival” he said.

Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mr Mobolaji Gaji in his welcome address reiterated that Government is committed to ensuring a safe, resilient, and sustainable Lagos through the conservation, protection and restoration of terrestrial and aquatic natural resources for the wellbeing of the citizen in urban and rural areas of the State.

Represented by director, Conservation and Ecology, Mr Sheriff Savage, he advised residents to desist from dumping refuse or using waste to reclaim wetlands but rather devise better ways to use wetland economically.

He noted that wetlands are land areas saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, such that they take on the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem.

He said the State Government is bringing this awareness campaign to the people in order to further educate and make them participate in their development as well as ensure their commitment to sustainable environment.

Signed

Kunle Adeshina

Director (Public Affairs)

MOE &WR

March 16, 2022

LAGOS GETS MAJOR BOOST IN WASTE MANAGEMENT SECTOR AS SANWO-OLU UNVEILS ELECTRONIC BINS

The Governor of Lagos State on Wednesday gave a major boost to the Waste Management Sector with the launching of electronic smart waste bins under the Lagos State Adopt a Bin Project.

Speaking during the launching at the at Simpson transfer loading station(TLS) in Lagos, the Governor of Lagos State , Mr Babajide Sanwoolu said the bins are fitted with intelligent devices that enable tracking and identification adding that the whole essence of the standard waste bins, was to simplify the process of waste management and sorting from the source.

The Governor recalled that the commissioning of LAWMA’s 102 trucks and 100 double-dino bins, last year emphasized the importance of recycling as a source of economic empowerment for the people, and as a way of reducing pressure on saturated landfills, around the state.

He said the gospel of waste sorting from the source, was gaining ground as individual pickers of recyclable items were increasing by the day while recycling firms are springing up and final off-takers are getting busier with every one harvesting their income, along the waste management value- chain.

“We had a clear road-map of our journey, to a cleaner Lagos city with sustainable environment; we have systematically unfolded our plans and strategies, one initiative after another, like the procurement of the 102 trucks and double dino bins; launch of Lagos Recycle Initiative, and now we are formally bringing “Adopt-a-Bin”project to life for homes, offices, churches, mosques” he said.

Sanwo-olu said the new bins come in two colours green for general waste and blue for recyclable items adding that these bins are not ordinary bins; but smart and built to last and in accordance with internationally recognized quality standards.

He noted that they are fitted with intelligent devices that enable tracking and identification, saying these unique devices also make it possible to register every single bin to individual addresses, for easy communication on issues relating to their location.

“When you acquire the bins, you simply sort your waste and drop all recyclable items like cans, plastic, cartons, water sachet, etc. in the blue bin while you drop the general waste in the green bin.

He said the stability of the bins, ensure easy handling by waste collectors, who are assigned to periodically empty them, saying PSP operators are to empty the green bins, recyclers are assigned for the blue bins containing the recyclable items, which are weighed, recorded, until the resident is ready for redemption in cash or kind.

In his welcome address the General Manager LAWMA Mr Ibrahim Odumboni said the launch of the Adopt-a-Bin Program, would move Lagos closer to its vision of establishing an environment-friendly state, through best waste management practices which is a positive move in the right direction.

He said that over the years LAWMA has stepped up efforts at ensuring a clean and healthy environment by introducing pragmatic initiatives, to meet the waste management needs of residents across the city-scape.

Signed

Kunle Adeshina

Director Public Affairs

MOE & WR

February 23,2022

……As Governor hands over 19 high capacity drainage equipment and vehicles for improved capacity.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday gave verve to the quest to ensure that Lagos remains flood free as he commissioned the Second batch of 19 high capacity drainage clearing and maintenance equipments.

Speaking at the event which took place at the EFAG Yard in Oregun, Governor Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello said never again will Lagos be branded as a flood ravaged city.

He stressed that the State Government will always be a step ahead in terms of its preparations for the rainy season and the aftermath because of the nature of Lagos as a coastal city.

He said his administration will consciously continue to position the Office of Drainage Services to perform its statutory roles adding the equipments will be evenly deployed to every part of lagos.

He explained that the complaints of non removal of silts from drains in quick times has been addressed with the new tipping trucks amongst the equipment.

The Governor who said the equipment and vehicles represent the second batch to be procured, said more will be provided in due course.

The Commissioned drainage maintenance equipments comprised of two (2) Loader Black Hoe Model, One (1) Low Loader Trailer , One (1) Track Loader, Four (4) Wheel Pick up, Five (5) Tipper Truck, Two (2) Light Cargo Truck, One (1) Low Bed Horse One (1) Crane Truck as well as Two (2) Floodlights all to be used in our fight against flooding in the State.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr Joe Igbokwe said government is aware of its responsibility to evolve strategic methods that will improve the environment and guarantee that the State is flood free and beautiful for residents.

He added that this feat can only be achieved through sustainable cleaning of all drainage channels in the state.

Also speaking at the Commissioning, the Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde said the Ministry is confident that the injection of the new set of equipments will improve efficiency in providing all-year-round drainage maintenance for effective and efficient flood management in the State.

The Permanent Secretary said the first batch of equipments were procured in 2019 and had since been put into use adding that the second batch being commissioned will also be used to compliment existing ones.

The Governor’s representative later handed over the new equipments and trucks before taking a ride in one of the tipping trucks alongside the Special Adviser, Engr Joe Igbokwe to the admiration of all those present.

Signed
Kunle Adeshina
Director Public Affairs
MOE&WR
February 22, 2022

PIX 1695 L-R. Representative of DG Nigeria Meteorology Agency (NiMet),Engr Mailaidi Yusuf, Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde, Director Water Resources, Office of Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. (Mrs) Lanke Taiwo and Principal Meteorologists (NiMet) Dr Joyce Nchom during the the 1-day Program to review year 2021 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP)in Lagos State held at NECA House, Ikeja Lagos, on 25th of January, 2022.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES

BLOCK 16

The Secretariat, Ikeja

PRESS RELEASE

LASG: WE WOULD CONTINUE TO COLLABORATE, SEEK NEW INNOVATIONS TO ENSURE A FLOOD FREE LAGOS

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said it will continually seek collaboration and embark on new innovations to rid the state of flood in the year 2022.

Speaking during a one-day review of year 2021 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) for Lagos State held in NECA House, Alausa, the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr Joe Igbokwe said the event was organized to assess the impact of God’s given gift “The Rain” on the socially, economically, mentally activities of Lagosians in year 2021.

The Special Adviser who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde, said the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) is an annual product of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in which information of expected rainfall pattern for the year is released to prepare various sectors of the state to plan ahead and strategize.

He said it became necessary to review the year 2021 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in anticipation of the year 2022 prediction and celebrate achievements, seek improved ways to undertake the obstacles that were recorded in the in the new year .

“Reviewing the Year 2021 SCP will afford us self assessment especially in the Global Climate Change Era and the challenges it poses; it is especially necessary due to its impact which is mostly felt at the communal level, which comprise already vulnerable individuals” he said.

Igbokwe said the State was open to new partnerships and improved synergy with relevant organizations adding that these collaborations were expected to improve the knowledge base as well as bring forth new ideas in the technology used in combating flooding in the state.

In a presentation on the action implemented by Lagos State on 2021 SCP flood mitigation, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage and Water Resources, Engr, Lekan Shodeinde represented by the Director, Drainage Enforcement and Compliance, Engr. Mahmood Adegbite, noted that the ministry embarked on awareness among the general public and stakeholders to increase preparedness for the rainy season in order to avert incidences of loss of lives and properties due to flooding.

He said the states is constantly improving on repair and maintenance of drainage systems and will also establish its own network of Weather Stations explaining that the state government ensured flood was promptly curtailed through the Ministry by empowering Resident Engineers to attend to all flooding matters in the 57 LGAs/LCDAs of the State.

He reiterate that all stakeholders, including LASG and Ogun-Oshun River Basin Authority (OORBDA) have always synergized to design and maintain timely release of water from Oyan dam urging media practitioners and the members of the public to avoid false alarms when flashfloods occur, as they are temporal and will drain off ……

He said proactively, the Ministry deployed the services of Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) throughout Year 2021 which were divided into three semesters of Pre, Mid and Post rainy season to reduce flooding incidents.

According to him, a total of 72km and 289.08km Lengths of Primary and Secondary Drainage Channels respectively, were cleared and maintained during the year in review and more hydraulic structures were constructed to mitigate flooding while some are still under construction.

In his goodwill message, the representative of Director General, NIMET, Mr. Mailadi Yusuf said it is important for all state in the country to pay more attention to the weather and climate that prevail in their various communities from time to time.

He stressed that everyone is aware of how climate change has affected all in various ways and dimensions adding that three glaring ways can be used to indicate how the climate crisis impacts on human lives, which are environment, health and food.

He said the Nigerian Meteorological Agency is mandated to record the activities of citizens on their livelihoods adding that this is necessary because small changes in the global average temperature can cause major and dangerous shifts in climate and weather.

He urged all residents to pay more attention to the advisories issued by NiMet and partner with the Agency to adequately disseminate to all stakeholders so that extreme weather events being witnessed across the globe can be prepared for and possibly averted.

He commended Lagos State Government for the initiative adding the program is the first of it’s kind in Nigeria calling on other states to emulate and take necessary action to Avery flooding in the state.

Signed

Kunle Adeshina

Director (Public Affairs)

MOE &WR

January 25, 2022.

PRESS RELEASE

LASG CALLS FOR FULL CITIZENS PARTICIPATION FOR A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT

……As 2021 Sanitation competition amongst Local Councils came to a climax

Lagos State Government on Friday sought full participation of citizens in its efforts to achieve a cleaner environment as the 2021 Sanitation competition for the cleanest local Council area came to a climax with award of prices.

Speaking at the State Auditorium, Alausa venue, during the presentation of prizes such as mini vans to the cleanest Local Council in the metropolitan, urban and sub urban categories, the First Lady, Dr Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said the task cannot be left to only the government.

Represented by Mrs Oyindamola Ogunsanwo, she reiterated that the failure of service delivery to people and communities, and lack of sustainable outcomes are direct results of the non participatIon of the people.

She recalled that since the inception of the present administration, the State had resolved to rescue the environment from all forms of abuse and declared zero tolerance on environmental nuisances.

She stated that the event was put together to encourage community participation and foster a good relationship between the two tiers of government – State and Local Govwrnment in terms of Environmental Sanitation and Community Cleanliness.

She added that the unsanitary conditions of some communities within the State are of great concern and require a great sanitary awakening adding that the essence of the exercise is to assess the state of environmental sanitation across the communities with respect to waste management, streets cleaning, tertiary drainage maintenance, and community beautification.

“When sanitation conditions are poor, diseases and other health-related problems will be prevalent; It has been established by experts that the state of health of a particular location can be linked with the state of the environment of the said location. They are intertwined” She said.

She added that following the cancellation of the monthly environmental sanitation in 2016, there has been no opportunity to tour all Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in the State aside the market sanitation initiative of the Office of the Lagos State First lady being coordinated by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) and other important MDAs.

“To close this gap, we have deemed it fit to organize an annual sanitation competition amongst all LGAs/LCDAs to assess the sanitation status of the entire State and reward the LGAs/LCDAs that are outstanding in areas of environmental management” she said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello stated that in a rapidly urbanizing society like Lagos, sustainable solid waste management practices remains a key challenge adding that poor waste management causes air pollution, water pollution, as well as marine litters and all these contribute to climate change.

Bello said the interventions carried out by the State since 2003 in terms of waste management are targeted towards building required capacities and make it business friendly for all investments.

He said that it sad that Local Government authorities have abdicated their constitutional responsibilities on solid waste management which is one their basic functions.

The Commissioner stressed that all LGAs/LCDAs must have a change of orientation and be alive to their constitutional responsibilities by working towards acquiring the needed capacities

He emphasized that it was based on the aforementioned that the Ministry with approval of Mr Governor resuscitated the annual environmental sanitation competition among LGA and LCDAs to raise peoples’ consciousness on the need to prioritize sanitation and be a vehicle of change for the larger society,

Bello said the criteria employed in the course of the assessments includes Solid waste management practice across the communities, roads / street cleanliness, open defecation and urination, markets’ sanitation status, sanitation status of Motor parks and garages, Primary Health Centres, Local Government Secretariats and general aesthetics of the LGAs/LCDAs as a whole.

“While several strategies may be available for managing these challenges, monitoring and interventions at the level of the LGs/LCDAs would go a long way to achieve a cleaner and healthier environment. It would not only contribute to improved sanitation for communities but also improved socio-economic development” he stressed.

He stated that the LGAs/LCDAs Award were categorized into Metropolitan, Urban and Sub-Urban, for ease of assessment while awards were given to the cleanest Market, Motor Park, Primary Health Centre and MDAs in the old and new Secretariats of the State.

The Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Mrs. Belinda Odeneye who also spoke said the year 2021 Sanitation Competition Awards Ceremony is a testimony that must be a continuous event for generations to come.

She said It has been the motivating pillar of environmental sanitation cleanliness in our local Government Areas/Local Council Development Areas

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA, Hon Sesan Daini, appreciated the gesture behind the awards, saying it would witness a more robust participation next year.

Also speaking, the Managing director of LAWMA Ibrahim Odumboni said his agency was involved in the grading process of the competition and he can testify that the result is very fair.

Winners emerged in different categories with Surulere LGA, Epe LGA and Oriade LCDA won the cleanest Local Governments and LCDA in the Metropolitan, Urban and Sub-Urban categories respectively.

The three Councils won a plaque and a branded Suzuki mini bus each .

Prizes were also give to the cleanest market, cleanest Motor park, cleanest local council headquarters and the cleanest Primary Health care centre.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES
BLOCK 16
The Secretariat, Ikeja

PRESS RELEASE

WE WILL CONTINUE TO REWARD HARDWORK, DILIGENCE-LASG

As Environment Ministry celebrates, rewards EFAG operatives across Local Governments

The Lagos State Government Thursday restated that it would continue to reward hardwork and diligence as it honoured operatives of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) who have distinguished themselves with cash awards.

Speaking at the event which also doubled as the end of year event for the staff at the Ministry of the Environment Quadrangle at Alausa, Commissioner for the Environment Tunji Bello said the event was about encouraging the operatives to strive to do more.

He said the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) has been responsible for cleaning several secondary and primary drains as well as black spots through out the year in all the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in the state

He added that they function as the quick response arm of the State Government which helps in freeing several clogged up drains from waste and silts promptly.

In his words:  “Without your immense contributions to deflooding our drains and cleaning the environment,  we would not have achieved the level of success we have recorded especially in deflooding and this is reason why the State Government would continually support your efforts”.

He mentioned that EFAG remains the pride of the environment ministry adding that their impact is being felt and appreciated by Lagosians all over.

The Commissioner also mentioned that the State Government was working on an improved welfare package for the EFAG team saying that other incentives will be added to their welfare in due course.

Earlier in his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe commended the EFAG team for giving their best in efforts to make Lagos flood free.

He stated that the Sanwo olu Administration is determined to prevent loss of lives and properties occasioned by flooding and that was what brought about the continuous support from government.

Igbokwe charged the EFAG team to always wear the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided for them as these PPE will protect them while on duty and prevent them from contracting any disease.

He noted that cleaning of canals, manholes and Secondary channels in all the 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs across the State aids water to flow naturally, stressing that government will not relent in performing its responsibilities of ensuring a flood free and clean environment.

“The State government would continue to support you, we would continue to raise the bars and defend you. I will like to appeal to you to continue the good work and this is a push for you to do more” Igbokwe said.

He charged residents to help compliment the efforts of EFAG and start policing the canals and channels in their areas and also desist from the arbitrary dumping of refuse into canals in order to continuously sustain a flood-free Lagos.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr.Olalekan Shodeinde described the activities of EFAG team as a great intervention saying the achievement of the Office of Drainage and Water Resources will be incomplete without mentioning the EFAG team.

“The EFAG Gang has carried out routine maintenance, cleaning and emergency deflooding interventions on both primary and Secondary Drains all over the State in the last two years” he disclosed.

The Permanent Secretary also admonished the EFAG men to be ambassadors of the Ministry in their respective neighbourhood and preach the gospel of a clean environment saying they are the first contact with the people at the grassroots.

The highlights of the event was the presentation of cash awards for the four quarters of 2021 to operatives who distinguished themselves on a local government by local government basis.

Signed

KUNLE ADESHINA

DIRECTOR

PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MOE&WR

23 DECEMBER, 2021.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES

BLOCK 16

The Secretariat, Ikeja

PRESS RELEASE

YULETIDE: LASG CHARGES RESIDENTS NOT TO ERODE CLEANER LAGOS GAINS WITH UNSANITARY HABITS

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday charged all residents not to erode the gains already made on the state of the environment with unsanitary acts during the yuletide.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, he called for utmost cleanliness of the environment and proper waste disposal during the holidays.

Tunji Bello said with the increasing cases of the fourth wave of Covid-19 virus Omicron still a potent threat, there is a need for restraint and observance of all safety protocol at this period alongside cleaniness.

He noted that as expected, a lot of waste would be generated during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, calling for proper disposal of animal waste as well as sorting and bagging of such refuse while placing them at designated points for pick up by the assigned PSP operators.

He assured residents that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is upbeat to respond adequately and promptly by evacuating wastes that may be generated during the period adding that residents should desist from patronizing cart pushers.

He reminded residents to avail themselves of the use of the Citi Monitor App created by the Environment Ministry to report any environmental infraction noticed around their areas.

“I want to appeal to all residents to report cases of any black spots/illegal dump sites promptly and this can be done through the CITI MONITOR APP which is available on Google Play Store and Apple store to report any environmental infraction” he said.

He explained that the administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu is at the fore front of the campaign for a healthy people, a cleaner and flood free environment, urging residents to reciprocate the gesture

He stated that residents should avoid the storage of petrol and other inflammable materials at homes, offices, shops and markets as their storage could aid fire outbreak particularly when virtually all objects in the environment are dry and combustible during this period.

He used the occasion to wish all residents an environmentally blessed Christmas and a very prosperous New Year and reiterated that continuous demonstration of good sanitation and hygiene practices by all across the State can help contain the spread of COVID -19.

SIGNED
KUNLE ADESHINA
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MOE&WR
22 DECEMBER, 2021.