• LASG Expresses Determination To Reduce Decline Of Wetland, Biodiversity Conservation

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    PRESS RELEASE    LASG EXPRESSES DETERMINATION TO REDUCE  DECLINE OF WETLAND, BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION         ….As Environment PS flags off 2019 Youth Outreach Ecotourism Programme for selected students   The Lagos State Government over the weekend expressed its determination to assist in reducing the decline of wetlands and biodiversity conservation in the state which has been brought about by indiscriminate destruction of natural wetlands for housing/industrial developments owing to increasing population and technological advancement.   The State’s position was espoused by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of The Environment, Mr Abiodun Bamgboye at a press briefing to herald the commencement of the 2019 Youth Outreach Ecotourism Programme on Wetland and Biodiversity Conservation for students in Lagos State Secondary Schools.   The Programme will have 14 students participating made up of two representing each of the six educational districts and two representing private and missionary schools over a period of eight days transversing various wetland locations and other conservation sites in the state and were chosen after a very rigorous screening exercise.   Bamgboye said that this year’s theme: “Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health’’ is targeted to educate the general public about human values towards a sustainable environment and bring about a situation in which people live in harmony with nature.       “It is targeted at creating awareness on the diversity provided by the natural Eco-systems for human existence and well-being on Earth, while contributing to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, such as zero hunger, good health and well-being, no poverty as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation, ecosystems restoration, cleaner water and amongst others” , he stated.         The Permanent Secretary stated that the Programme was holding successfully for the fourth consecutive year because of government’s belief in the ability of students as change agents and is being organized with the primary aim of expanding the knowledge and changing the mindset of the general public about conventional tourism, especially in relation to the environment.           Bamgboye stressed that this tour in the last four years, had clearly shown the commitment   of the Lagos State Government to environmental sustainability by bringing together   sustainable travel practices that promote the conservation and protection of wetlands.       He said that having realised the capacity of young ones to communicate and bring about change, the State was educating the young ones, who are leaders of tomorrow, to embrace the correct and sustainable use of God-given environmental resources and spread the message to others.   Also speaking, the Director Environmental Management Department, Mr Sheriff Savage pointed out that the participating students, who were selected through a rigorous process from the five education districts in the State, would be proceeding on eight  days of learning and fun as they will have the opportunity to visit various pristine and fragile ecosystems, zoological gardens and conservation centres across the five divisions of Lagos State.   These visit according to him will afford the students the opportunity to get acquainted with the abundant wetlands resources and biodiversity of the State and assured parents of the participating students that adequate security had been put in place for their safety while in the camp   He enjoined Lagosians to commit themselves to a lifestyle that encouraged environmentally friendly options and embraced the attitude of visiting eco-tourism sites for relaxation and knowledge of the environment, stressing that the future generation would not forgive us if we failed to protect the environment.   JULY  29, 2019
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  • Sallah Celebration: LASG Urges Residents To Be Mindful Of A Cleaner Environment

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     …….Says no sale of Rams on Highways, Roads, Medians

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday charged residents of the state to be mindful of a cleaner Environment as the Ed eil Kabir (Ileya Festivities) holds this weekend.

    Addressing newsmen at a parley held at the State Secretariat, Alausa, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye  reiterated the need to enlighten Lagosians on why they should show utmost love to their environment even as they celebrate.

    Bamgboye, who wished all Muslim adherents a happy Sallah celebration, urged Lagosians to respect the environment, bearing in  mind that a lot of waste would be generated during the Sallah  and  must dispose of animal waste properly as well as bag their refuse and put at designated points.

    He gave a commitment to Lagosians that the Sanitation Intervention Programme with the combined efforts of the Ministry of Environment and Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) was still on course to rid Lagos of refuse heaps.

    He said that the administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu had been in the fore front of the campaign for a healthy people and cleaner environment, thus encouraging Lagosians to desist from acts that could have negative impacts on the environment.

    His words: “To guide against the outbreak of epidemics, residents of this State must always ensure that they handle waste in the most appropriate way”

    Meanwhile, Bamgboye reminded Lagosians that the Law against street trading was still in force, stressing that the State Government would not tolerate any form of street trading which includes display of rams on major highways, road medians, lay-byes, gardens and parks  across the State.

    He said that while it was not unusual for traders to take advantage of the season to market and sell rams, this must be done without defacing the state or compromising the wellness and wellbeing of Lagosians.

    He thereafter urged Lagosians to take advantage of the various parks and gardens across the state during the celebration to enjoy the ambience for leisure, funfair and relaxation as these parks were made for their use.

    SIGNED

    KUNLE ADESHINA

    (A.D) PUBLIC AFFAIRS  (MOE),

    August. 07, 2019

  • LASG Debunks Rumour On Re -Introduction Of Monthly Environmental Sanitation

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    The Lagos State Government on Tuesday  debunked  rumours making the rounds on the airwaves and social media that it has reintroduced the monthly environmental sanitation exercise and vehicular restriction, urging residents to ignore it in its entirety.

    In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of The Environment, Mr Biodun Bamgboye, the Government   emphasized that no restriction will take place on the last Saturday in this month of June or any other month for that matter until otherwise decided.

    He said there is no basis for the apprehension of some people that they may have their business or social engagements disrupted by the vehicular restriction between the hours of 7 and 10 which normally signposts such environmental sanitation exercises.

    The Perm Sec added that one of the proactive measures undertaken by the Governor on his first day in office was to sign an Executive Order that borders on declaration of zero tolerance for indiscriminate dumping of refuse all over the state and did not include restriction for environmental sanitation exercise.

    Bamigboye explained that what the Governor said about the monthly environmental sanitation was that if indeed there is a need to reintroduce the exercise which was cancelled by the last administration, it will be with the popular support of majority of residents of Lagos.

    He added that the resolve of the present administration is to ensure that all machineries are put in motion to have a cleaner, safer and sustainable environment for all the residents.

    He gave a commitment that the present administration in Lagos State was not unmindful of the status of the State as the commercial nerve Centre of the nation and would ensure that the general public is duly notified if and indeed when a decision is taken on the reintroduction of the exercise.

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina

    Ass. Dir. Public Affairs

    June 25, 2019

  • LASG DECLARES ZERO TOLERANCE ON OPERATORS OF ILLEGAL ABATTOIRS AND WASTE MISMANAGEMENT

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         ……Holds stakeholders meeting with operators of Abbatoirs and Slaughter slabs

    Lagos State Government on Wednesday declared a zero tolerance on operators of Illegal Abattoirs/Slaughter slabs, waste mismanagement and unhygenic handling of meat in the state.

    This declaration emanated from a joint stakeholders meeting between the State Ministries of the Environment, Agriculture and Operators of Abattoirs and Slaughter slabs in Lagos State at the Ministry of The Environment  conference Room, Alausa.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr Abiodun Bamgboye who chaired the meeting maintained that the State Government will not condone any act of uncleanliness in meat processing and delivery, adding that attention will be given to all areas of food supply chain with emphasis now on the consumption of wholesome meat by the citizens.

    The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director of Environmental Services, Mrs Ronke Odeneye warned that all abattoir operators in the State should ensure they undertake their environmental sanitation exercises on Sundays as agreed by the association, adding that waste water and blood generated from meat processing should be adequately discharged in the drains as well as keep the drains free from silt and  overgrown weeds.

    He noted that officers from the Envinment Ministry had visited some abattoirs across the state and observed they were not up to the required standard, stressing that the present administration is ready to work with operators to give abattoirs in the State a face-lift to meet the required standard.

    Addressing the operators, the Director, Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Michael Adeyemi said that Ministry of Agriculture is ready to work in conjunction with the Ministry of the Environment to put an end to all environmental infractions that may emerge from abattoir mismanagement.

    He stated that the State Government has ensured that butchers in the state now operate in mechanized abattoirs and Slaughter houses where cows are slaughtered neatly and waste water as well as animal waste were discharged properly,  so as to avoid pollution in such areas.      

    He further encouraged the abattoir concessionaires yet to obtain their Environmental Impact Assessment  (EIA) and fumigation certificates  to do so for their abattoirs from the Ministry of Environment in order to avoid closure of such abattoirs.

    Responding, one of the butchers, from Ilaje Abattoir, Bariga,  Mr. Kehinde Oseni, thanked the State Government for their support and further pledge the continued adherence of his association to the necessary laws guiding meat production in the state.

    The meeting had in attendance stakeholders in the meat processing, Slaughter slabs and abbatoir sector.

    Signed.

    Kunle Adeshina

    Asst. Dir. (Public Affairs)

    July 24, 2019

  • LAGOS COMMENCES MASSIVE MAINTENANCE OF MAJOR DRAINAGE CHANNELS ACROSS THE STATE

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                ……As GM Office of Drainage names 51 primary, secondary, tertiary channels involved in first stage.

    Respite will soon come the way of residents of the state against the menace of flooding as the Lagos State Government commences massive maintenance and clearing of major primary, secondary and tertiary drainage channels across the state.

    According to a schedule of maintenance released on Monday by the General Manager, Office of Drainage services in the Ministry of Environment, Engineer Lekan Shodeinde, in the Ikeja division, some of the priority drains to be cleared in the first week are Omole/Jubilee Agiliti, Muri International Channel, system 1 channel consisting of Odo Iya Alaro from Ojota to Lagoon.

    Other channels scheduled for maintenance in the ongoing exercise under Ikeja division are Elere Collector drain, Agege, Idimu road collector drain, Jimoh/Victoria/Shasha road collector drain, Gudugba collector drain, Agege Motor Road, (Mushin section), Kolawole Sebili/Falana collector drain.

    Also planned for maintenance in the first week in the Lagos division are Durosinmi Etti channel, Admiralty, Lekki, System 4 channel (Tejuosho to Western Avenue), Fola Osibo channel, Point Road-Liverpool collector drain, Apapa, Simpson Ebute Elefun collector, Ojo Oniyun collector drain, Ojo-Oniyun just as Signal Barracks channel In Badagry will also be maintained in the first week of the exercise.

    Engineer Shodeinde listed the drainage channels to be touched in the second week to include Oke Ijeun channel, Ojo, Abiodun Sadiku collector drain, old Akute road collector drain, Ikeja roundabout/Awolowo Way collector drain, Ikeja, Agege Motor Road collector(Ikeja section), Downstream  Alabi Owoyemi/Adeyiga/Awolowo Way collector drain, Oworonshoki, Jemtok/Kinoshi collector drain, Ago Palace Way, Isolo.

    Other drain channels to be touched in the second week are Olusoji/Rashidi Akotun/Odugunwa collector drain in Bariga from the Shomolu division, NTA Agric collector in Ojo,  Aguda Ikate collector in Surulere division, Ladilak/Pelewura/Randle/Burma collector drain in the Lagos division and Norman Williams collector drain in Eti Osa division.

    The areas listed by the General Manager, Office of Drainage services, for maintenance in the third week are from Badagry division, Adosoba channel, Akchapo collector, Adio Mumuni Badmus collector and Kehinde Eta Öko collector while in Ikeja division, slated to be touched are Bale Animashaun road collector drain, Alakuko road, Isheri Olowoora road drain, Awoyaya collector, Ibeju Lekki and Bogije collector both in Ibeju Lekki while from the Lagos division, the listed drainage channels are Carter Railway collector, Omodunni outfall collector, Admiralty road collector drain, Lekki and Mobil Estate Road collector drain, VGC.

    Engineer Shodeinde listed 10 drainage channels to be touched in the fourth week of the on-going exercise across the five divisions of the state as Osa Iwerekun, Ibeju Lekki, Professor Agbalajobi collector in Epe, Owutu-Ishawo road, Epe division, Obafemi Awolowo road, Epe, Ikorodu division Igbogbo Solebo Ajewo channel, Church street and Ipaja road in the Ikeja division and Eric Moore road in the Lagos division.

    He explained that what the Office of Drainage services is presently embarking upon is to gain traction with the contractor who is handling the major drainage channels since there is a subsisting contract for the maintenance.

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina

    Assistant director(Public Affairs)

    July 29’ 2019

  • LASG TO BOOST CAPACITY OF PSP WASTE OPERATORS TO PROCURE EQUIPMENT -TUNJI BELLO

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    Lagos State Government on Monday declared its readiness to boost the capacity of Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators in the state through the provision of equipment to increase their capacity with soft loans.

    The resolve of the state was disclosed by the Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello while addressing the management staffers when he resumed for work at the ministry’s headquarters, Alausa.

    According to Mr Bello, the Governor , Mr Babajide Sanwo- Olu is committed to providing capacity to the PSP operators in the state towards ensuring that they partner the state in carting away generated refuse.

    He said part of the policy thrust of the present administration is to engage in waste sorting and buy back towards reducing the amount of waste generated and transported to the only functional dump site at Olusosun.

    The commissioner said in the coming weeks, he would be meeting with leaders of market men, women, parks and garages on how to ensure that the parks and markets are always clean and do not dump waste indiscriminately.

    He emphasized that there is a zero tolerance for indiscriminate dumping of refuse in all markets and parks, warning that the present administration will not hesitate to shut down any market or park that fails to engage the service of a PSP to properly dispose of its refuse.

    He said with the renaming of the ministry as ministry of the environment and water resources which also includes drainage services, there would be concerted efforts to ensure that the drains are cleared all year round and refuse disposed adequately.

    He also hinted of plans by the Sanwo-Olu administration to revive in conjunction with the Ogun State Government and the World Bank a plan that was mooted five years ago to establish another landfill site in Ogun State which is a contiguous State to Lagos.

     He stated that in about four to five years time the only functional landfill site in the state which is at Olusosun will be filled up and that there is a need to take advantage of a neighboring state with landmass like Ogun State in preparing for any eventuality. 

    He affirmed that the bulk of the work of the ministry will be devoted towards refuse clearing as well as ensuring a smooth running of the drainage systems adding that uncleared refuse majorly contribute to clogging which eventually results to flooding in the state.

    He said there was an immediate need to open up the manholes for cleaning so as to 

    compliment the cleanup of primary and secondary drainage channels and called for the support of  all members of staff, asking that all hands must be on deck to achieve a 

    cleaner, healthier and flood free Lagos.

    Kunle Adeshina

    Asst Director (Public Affairs)

    Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources

    August 26, 2019

  • LAW TO PERMIT MONTHLY SANITATION RESTRICTION IS IN THE WORKS- LASG

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    …As Env. Commissioner  convenes stakeholders meeting with market leaders over waste. 

    Lagos State Government  on Wednesday informed residents that the enabling law to permit reintroduction of monthly sanitation is on the way.

    The Government’s resolve was made by the Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello during a stakeholders’ meeting with Association of Commodity Market Women and Men led by the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Chief Mrs Folasade Tinubu-Ojo.

    According to Bello, the invalidation of the exercise by a court sometimes ago is a temporary setback which will be reversed very soon. 

    He said the meeting which also had the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Ronke Odeneye and Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegeshin in attendance was convened to seek the buy-in of market leaders, women and men on the government’s zero tolerance for indiscriminate dumping of waste.

    He told markets in the state who have not engaged the service of PSP waste operators to link up with the State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and do so immediately and ensure that no form of waste is taken to the roads henceforth.

    He stated that in conjunction with the appointed PSP waste operators, a point within the market must be identified where all the waste generated should be gathered before being carted away by the PSP operator.

    He assured the market leaders that the State will not hesitate to sanction PSP operators that failed to perform their duties appropriately.

    He said the Government would have no option but to shut any market that proves recalcitrant and still harbours refuse or dump same on the roads.

    He said as a form of motivation, competitions would be re-introduced to recognise and reward markets adjudged as the cleanest.

    In her response, the President ACWAM,  Iyaloja General, Mrs. Folasade Tinubu-Ojo said that she will ensure that market sanitation becomes a daily task that all market leaders will adopt. 

    She assured that the association was ready to cooperate with the State government to adopt all methods proposed by the government to ensure  cleanliness  in all markets and it’s environs. 

    SIGNED

    KUNLE ADESHINA

    (A.D) PUBLIC AFFAIRS 

     MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES 

  • LASG REASSURES RESIDENTS ON PERSISTENT RAINFALL, SAYS ADEQUATE MEASURES ARE IN PLACE

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            …..As Commissioner, S.A, Perm Secs visit drainage channels and flood prone areas

    The Lagos State on Thursday reassured residents of the state that measures are already in place to address the challenges posed by incessant rainfall as witnessed in the state in the last three days, as the various flood abatement gangs continue to clean and maintain the channels.


    Speaking with the media in a chat after an unscheduled inspection of some of the major drainage systems, the State Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello and Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Engineer Joe Igbokwe said residents should be rest assured that  irrespective of the volume of the rainfall, it would flow through the drains to discharge into the various channels.

    Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Engineer Joe Igbokwe advised Lagosians to remain calm and not panic as the rainfall currently being experienced in Lagos State is a natural outcome of climate change and has been predicted by the Nigerian Metrological services.

    He stated that Lagos being a coastal state will usually experience flash-flood, which is expected to disappear after a few hours without any negative and attendant loss of lives and properties, maintaining that the state is working round the clock to ensure that all the drains already cleared are not clogged up again.


    The Commissioner reminded the people of the Executive Order signed by the Governor on zero tolerance for indiscriminate dumping of refuse, warning against acts that could aggravate flooding such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drains as well as erecting structures on drainages lines and alignments. 

    He stated that while relevant government agencies are on red alert for any unforeseen incident, residents must be vigilant and  promptly report cases of indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels and unauthorized places as well as other incidents of drainage blockage to the relevant government agencies.

    Bello also advised Lagosians to be safety conscious during this period, urging them to take some safety measures such as avoid going out during the rains except when absolutely necessary and be conscious when driving and not over-speed.

    He stressed that Lagosians residing along flood plains and low-lands should be at alert and be ready to move for safety whenever the need arises stating that the Lagos State Government would continue to intensify efforts at containing flood in the State, while  painstakingly maintaining all primary, and secondary channels from time to time.

    The two Permanent Secretaries of the Office of Environmental Services, Mrs Ronke Odeneye and Office of Drainage Service and Water Resources, Engineer Lekan Shodeinde and directors in the ministry also visited areas known to be flood prone areas.

    Signed

    Adekunle Adeshina
    AD Public Affairs

    19th September ,2019

  • LASG REITERATES COMMITMENT TO FIGHT AGAINST CRIME AND CRIMINALITIESto Draft

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    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to the prosecution of war against crime and criminality, saying that it is an unrelenting war which the State would continue to prosecute until all those who benefit from crime are brought to book across the State..

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe who spoke at a Police Security/Stakeholders Community Town Hall Meeting  at Aja, Lagos said that the primary responsibility of every government is to ensure the  security of lives and properties of the people which the present administration in Lagos State will not shied away from.

    He added that this is clearly discernible from the several policy actions and pronouncements of the present administration, stressing that the state government recently  donated  120 patrol vans and 35 motorbikes to the State Police command in conjunction with the Local Governments in the state.

    He explained that the symbolism of the presentation underscores the determination of the administration not to abdicate its responsibility to its constituents despite the fact that Policing as presently enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution is an exclusive matter.

    According to him, admittedly, the main function of the police is to enforce law and order, safeguard lives and property but the nagging question agitating the minds of everyone is how effectively has the Nigerian Police perform that constitutionally assigned roles.

    “We cannot continue to do the same thing all over the same way and expect to get different results. Largely because of the ineffective crime detection technique employed by the Police, several suggestions have been brought forward on options to be considered”, he stated.

    He said one of the options that gained traction is the Community policing which is about engendering harmonious and systematic relationship between the police and the entire people in the community in a more involved way.

    He maintained that  the role of the Police should not simply stop at law enforcement but should also include tackling a huge range of community problems adding that there has been a shift from traditional policing to community policing with the Nigeria Police Force since year 2004 when the Nigeria Police adopted community policing as a practical approach to police reforms.

    He stated further that Nigerian Police Force was consistent in its effort to bring about a new and professional policing that is capable of ensuring and maintaining proper security of lives and property in Nigeria.

    He said the community policing approach sought to focus on constructive engagement with people who are the main beneficiaries of the police service while seeking to renegotiate the agreement between the people and the police towards making the community co-producers of justice and a quality police force.

    He charged the gathering to ponder over several questions which include, how community policing can be improved, what level of effectiveness has been achieved and what is the level of intelligence sharing between the security agencies and the people.

    “Why do we still have reports of street gangs terrorizing residents without such information being relayed to the Police before they start the gang wars. How supportive are our traditional rulers and chiefs in the efforts to make community policing more effective and secure our homes and neighbourhoods” he stated.

    The Special Adviser maintained that community oriented policing is a proactive measure that promotes curbing criminal act, he therefore charges all Lagosians to feel free to bring their suggestions to the fore.




    SIGNED

    KUNLE ADESHINA

    (A.D) PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND RESEARCH UNIT
    MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES

    SEPTEMBER . 25th, 2019