• Sanwo Switch to Gas (SS2G) / Trash 4Cash Campaign

    By

    L-R: Member, The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Mrs. Bukola Akoshile; Beneficiary, Sanwo Switch to Gas (SS2G) / trash 4cash campaign, Eleto qudus olamilekan; Guest of honour, Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Beneficiary, Sanwo Switch to Gas (SS2G) / trash 4cash campaign, Moshood Aramide and General Manager, (LASEPA), Dr. Dolapo Ayokunle Fasawe at the Sanwo Switch to Gas (SS2G) / trash 4cash campaign held at Elegbeta Playing Ground,  Isale EKo Lagos lsland. Recently

     

  • LAGOS RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON FLOOD MANAGEMENT, CALLS FOR DREDGING OF MAJOR RIVERS

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    The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo -Olu on Thursday received the Presidential Technical Committee for the development of a comprehensive plan of action for preventing flood disasters in Nigeria, urging the FG to dredge major rivers in Nigeria.

    Receiving the committee on behalf of Mr. Governor, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello said the time has come for the Federal Government to ensure the dredging of major rivers nationwide.

    He called for more collaboration between Federal and State agencies towards ensuring that the incidences of major flooding incidences are reduced to the barest minimum.

    He added that dredging the major rivers will reduce the vulnerability of coastal states to flooding issues as experienced by many States last year.

    He said that Federal Government should take cognizance that river Niger, Benue, and Ogun among others over flow to states close to them once they rise.

    PS, Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mrs. Olayinka Patunola-Ajayi, S.A Drainage, and WR, Engr.Joe Igbokwe, Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, Head Presidential Tech Committee on Flood Prevention Dr. Godstime James, MD, Ogun-Osun River Basin, Otunba Olufemi Odumosu & PS Drainage, Engr Nurudeen Shodeinde during FG’s Tech Committee of Flood Prevention visit

    He said Lagos State Government has a proper Primary and Secondary Drainage masterplan in place to curtail the issue from time to time.

    He added that from the beginning of every year, the Government engages in serious public enlightenment/education across the state after receiving yearly rainfall predictions from the Nigeria Institute of Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Service.

    He said the state usually organizes media briefings before the rainy season, alerting the public about rainfall patterns and urging people living in low-lying and depressed areas to relocate to safer areas.

    He explained that Lagos State Government usually embarks on a comprehensive all-year-round cleaning and maintenance dredging of drainage channels, and canals as well as constructing new drainages.

    He noted that Lagos despite its peculiarities as a coastal state with low-lying terrains and a high population density among others was recorded flash flooding because of various measures put in place by the government.

    L to R:  PS Office of Environmental Services, Omobolaji Gaji, his counterpart in Waterfront Infrastructure Development Mrs. Olayinka Patunola-Ajayi, Sp. Adviser Drainage & Water Resources, Engr.Joe Igbokwe, Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, Head Presidential Technical Committee on Flood Prevention, Dr. Godstime James, Managing Director, Ogun Osun River Basin Authority, Otunba Olufemi Odumosu, and the PS, Office of Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde, during the visit of the FG’s Tech Committee on Flood prevention to Lagos on 5th Jan 2023 @ Alausa.

    The leader of the Presidential Technical Committee, Dr. Godstime James explained that the Committee was established by the presidency following the flooding incidences that were recorded in the country in the year 2021.

    He said the Committee is to check each State’s policies on flooding, establish causes of flooding and come up with solutions and strategies to minimize the impact on the citizenry.

    James said the Committee was divided into the six geo-political zones of the country, adding that two States were selected per zone while adopting the bottom-to-top approach where each State of the federation will be listened to as well as the local communities in the flood-affected areas.

    In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde said Lagos had always executed plans to ensure that the State does not experience flooding based on the awareness that the State is always affected by coastal, river, and urban flooding.

    He noted that in the year 2022 Lagos mildly experienced flooding and this was achieved through the measures and policies put in place by the Ministry.

    He appealed for a better synergy between Lagos State and the Federal Government to ensure that flooding is controlled with little or no impact on the people of Lagos.

    SIGNED
    KUNLE ADESHINA
    Director(Public Affairs)
    MOE&WR

  • LASG FETES, REWARDS EFAG OPERATIVES, ASKS FOR IMPROVED OUTPUT ON DRAINAGE MAINTAINANCE

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    …….. Says EFAG cleaned over 624 kilometers of drains across the State in 2022
    ……gives 13th-month salary, health insurance policy and rewards 26 personnel.

    The Lagos State Government over the weekend feted, and rewarded hardworking operatives of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG), urging them to be more committed in the discharge of their duties.

    Speaking at the end of the Year 2022/Award of Excellence event, held at Alausa, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello said that government would continue to provide the necessary logistics and moral support they require for better service delivery.

    He said the EFAG team which was created in 2004 has been doing a good job in cleaning up secondary drains and manholes in the 52 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas across the state all year round.

    While expressing kudos from the State Government for good performance in 2022, Bello said the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu also approved 100% 13th-month salary for the EFAG team this December.

    PIX: 6145,6149,6092:L-R: Hon.Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe, Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde and his counterparts in Office of Environmental, Services Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, during the end of year party and Awards ceremony for men of the EFAG Gang, held over the weekend, at the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources Quadrangle, Secretariat, Alausa Ikeja.

    He added that a free health insurance policy has been put in place considering the risk they are exposed to in the course of their duties.

    He noted that Lagos did not experience serious flooding this year compared to other states in the country which was a result of the various measures put in place by the Government and the continuous cleaning of the drains by EFAG.

    “I would like to reiterate that you are part of the Government’s structure and as you continue to work harder, more packages would always be put in place.
    “Always bear in mind that hard work brings better welfare packages. I want you to know that to whom much is given much is expected” he said.

    He stressed that the government of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to ensuring a sustainable cleaner, healthier and safer environment for its people.

    Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe said the EFAG team members remain the pride of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.

    He said the Ministry will continue to give the necessary support needed, for them to keep up with the tempo at which they worked this year so that a flood-free Lagos will be achieved in 2023.

    “I want to assure all members of the EFAG team that government will continue to take good care of you while you take care of the job for sustainability,” he said.

    Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde, while speaking at the event which also had his counterpart in Environmental Services in attendance, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen said the EFAG team cleaned over 624 kilometers of Drainages in 2022.

    He added that the responsibility of EFAG is to clean drainages in all Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas all through the year for easy passage of rainstorm water.

    He said the team played a pivotal role in the State and this made them to be the heartbeat of the Environment Ministry, adding that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo – Olu has therefore placed them on a good Accident Insurance Policy.

    He added that the Accident Insurance Policy covers all unforeseen hazards such as injuries, physical disability or death amongst others that may occur during the course of their duties.

    He disclosed that members of EFAG and three of their family members are registered under the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) and the operatives also receive hazard allowance.

    Commendation awards and cash gifts were thereafter distributed to outstanding officers of EFAG team and some of their coordinators.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs )
    MOE&WR
    December 26, 2022

  • LASG CONSTRUCTS OVER 167 PUBLIC TOILETS, REGISTERS 635 OPERATORS TO CURB OPEN DEFECATION

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    ….. Joins Global Community to Celebrate 2022 World Toilet Day

    The Lagos State Saturday, joined the global community in marking World Toilet Day, stating that it has constructed over167 Public Toilets in designated areas and registered over 635 Public Toilet Operators as part of efforts to prevent open defecation.

    Speaking at the 2022 celebrations held at the Lagos Island Local Government Secretariat, Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Tajudeen Gaji said that the State is determined to end open defecation and other Sanitation challenges.

    He reiterated that part of the measures was the construction of new toilets at various strategic locations such as motor parks, markets and densely populated areas across the State.

    He informed that the event held simultaneously at three locations in the state which were Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Areas.

    PIX 4209/4195…L-R: Assistant Director Environmental Services, Sanitarian Emmanuel Ajaneson, Representative of the Executive Chairman, Ifako Ijaiye Local Government and Leader of the House, Hon. Victor Onifade, Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services and Deputy Director, Environmental Services, Mr Babajide Adeoye, Oba Elect of Iju Ogundimu in Ifako Ijaiye, Prince Gbolahan Ogundimu and Deputy Director, Office of Environmental Services, Mrs Felicia Carrena, during the year 2022 World Toilet Day celebration held on the 19th of November 2022, at Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, Lagos State.

    The PS represented by the Deputy Director, Sanitation Services, Mrs. Janet Balogun noted that the theme “Sanitation and Groundwater’’ w
    making the invisible visible was a clarion call on all stakeholders to prioritize hygiene as it is the cheapest method to combat the spread of diseases and control all environmental crisis.

    He maintained that Groundwater is a vital resource that provides almost half of all drinking water worldwide saying that about 40% of water is for irrigated agriculture and about 1/3 of water required for industry.

    He said Nigeria presently occupy the topmost level in the ladder of open defecation adding that in order to combat the menace President Muhammadu Buhari declared a State of Emergency on Open Defecation in the country as contained in the Executive Order 009 titled: The Open Defecation – Free Nigeria by 2025 and Other Related Matters Order.

    He added that the declaration is expected to be followed by actions from each State to domesticate the Order and plan towards its application and sustenance to achieve Open Defecation Free status by 2025.

    He said the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo – Olu took the lead role and set the pace for others to emulate by signing an Executive Order titled: Enforcement of Law and Order in Respect of Traffic and Sanitation Matters.

    He stressed that the essence of the Executive Order is to restore stability and accountability to all citizens to become active stakeholders in bringing necessary changes to transform Lagos to the desired state.

    He added that the State also developed a Resilience Strategy Document consisting of 3 Pillars, 10 Goals and 31 Initiatives in order to Improve Access to Clean Water and Sanitation a priority as stated in Goal 2, Initiative 1 of the document.

    “The World Toilet Organization (WTO), a non-profit organization established on 19th November, 2001 with focus on breaking the silence on the sanitation crises and membership across 53 countries started the World Toilet Day celebration every 19 November. It was thereafter adopted for global observance by United Nations since 2013” he said.

    He said the World Toilet Day commemoration is about raising awareness and taking actions to tackle the global sanitation crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6: Water and Sanitation for all by 2030.

    He added that WTO organizes the World Toilet Summit (WTS) annually on the sideline of the World Toilet Day geared towards mobilizing key Sector Players, NGOs and high-level decision makers to bring the issue of open defecation to greater public focus.

    He explained that Nigeria was chosen as the host for this year 2022 World Toilet Summit (WTS) which commenced on 18th November and is being rounded up today the 19th November 2022 in Abuja.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman Ĺagos Island Local Government represented by his Vice, Hon. Rosul Esinlokun said the State needs to continuously address the issue of toilets and beam the searchlight on Sanitation.

    He added that the toilet campaign is part of the State Government efforts to fast track the Sustainable Development Goal for water and Sanitation by 2030.

    He added that the State can not afford any fatality that could be caused by presentable water and sanitation related diseases.

    SIGNED
    KUNLE ADESHINA
    DIRECTOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MOE&WR

     

  • LAGOS INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO ERADICATE OPEN DEFECATION

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    The Lagos State Government as part of efforts to eradicate open defecation and urination on Thursday engaged public toilet operator to continually promote healthy sanitation practices in public toilet management across the State.

    Speaking during the second edition of the training workshop for public Toilet operators held at Ikeja, Lagos, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Omobolaji Gaji reiterated that the State Government is determined to eradicate the menace of open defecation in the state by 2025.

    He said the part of the objectives of the one day training is to build capacity for Toilet Operators as well as to ensure a cleaner, more hygienic and safer public toilet environment in the State.

    Gaji represented by the Director, Sanitation Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth said the state government has four cardinal points of operation which include Advocacy; Regularization and standardization; Bridging the gap and Monitoring, Evaluation & Enforcement, saying that the training workshop comes under Regularization and standardization.

    The Permanent Secretary said the training provides an opportunity for stakeholders to engage and communicate government’s desire and requirements to operators in the sector adding that the government in collaboration with other organisation remains determined to achieve zero tolerance regulation for open defecation and urination.

    Gaji said in order to become successful in rendering services, learning new things must be a way of life and mastery of the business brings Excellence adding that public toilet operators must engage in best practices in toilet management and must be properly trained by the approved body following government’s laid down rules.

    He recalled that government inaugurated an Anti- open defecation Squad some years back, according to the environmental laws of the state for non- complying members of the public and as such toilet operators must adhere to proper toilet management to avoid any form of sanctions from the government.

    He charged the toilet operators to always ensure proper handling of the toilets as this would help reduce government and individual expenditure on treatment of diseases and thereby make more money available for other economic uses.

    In his lecture titled “public toilet provision management, a panacea to healthy living” The facilitator, Sanitarian Dr. Cyril Babasope described public Toilet as a convenient facility that plays an essential role in both human health and the environmental health.

    He said the vision of the lagos state government to ensure adequate and conducive public toilet in the State was applaudable bearing in mind that 116 million out of the 250 million population of Nigeria does not have access to decent toilet.

    He enjoined public toilet operators to collaborate with the government in order to curb open defecation menace by establishing toilets in an accessible location, employ trained staff, use appropriate tools, as well as employ legal waste disposal process amongst others.

    SIGNED
    KUNLE ADESHINA
    DIRECTOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MOE&WR

  • LAGOS ISSUES FRESH UPDATE FOR RESIDENTS OF IKOYI, LEKKI, V/I, OTHERS

    By

    Lagos State Government on Monday issued a fresh Update to all waterfront residents of highbrow Ikoyi, Lekki, and Victoria Island and coastal areas of Epe and Badagry to be wary of backflow due to the high tide in the Lagos lagoon.

    In a statement signed by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, he explained that the latest advisory had become necessary due to the high tide of the Lagos Lagoon.

    Bello stressed that the high tide of the lagoon has made it difficult for storm run-off from the various channels to discharge effectively into the lagoon which may cause a stagnation into the streets and major roads until the level of the lagoon subsides to allow for a discharge of the channels

    He described the trending video of the water level under the Third Mainland Bridge almost being filled to the brim as FAKE NEWS, stating that the video only captures the Oworonshoki end of the 3rd Mainland Bridge which is normal because the area is a deck on pile.

    He cautioned people especially those on social media against sending panicky messages across to residents in order to create unnecessary anxiety amongst the people.

    The statement advised all the residents of the affected areas in Lagos Island and other coastal areas to monitor the incidental rains regularly, ensure situational awareness at all times, refrain from dumping refuse in the drains and clean their tertiary drains regularly

    He reiterated the earlier flood advisory issued by the State to the effect that all those on the banks of Ogun River especially residents of Ketu, Alapere, Agric, Owode Onirin, Ajegunle, Alagbole, Kara, Isheri Olowora, Araromi, Otun Orisha community, Agiliti, Maidan, Mile 12, Odo Ogun, Owode Elede, Agboyi1, Agboyi II, Agboyi II, and Agboyi III remain vigilant at these periods.

    He stressed that the State has embarked on and is continuing massive drainage clearance and the construction of new channels in addition to continuous deployment of the quick response Emergency Flood Abatement Gang to free up manholes and black spots to ensure the optimum capacity of the drains to contain run-offs.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director, Public Affairs
    MOE @ WR

  • Lagos partners NCF for 15th Walk for Nature on Saturday

    By

    The Lagos State Government in conjunction with Nigerian Conservation Foundation NCF is set to hold the 15th edition of the Annual Walk for Nature which will this year highlight the importance of preserving Nature and improving the quality of life across the state.

    L-R. Rep of Ikoyi Obalende (LCDA) San, Ade-Elvis Abiodun, Director, Buz Dev. and Communications, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) Mr. Uche Achunine, PS Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, Director, Conservation and Ecology, OES, Mrs. Tolulope Adeyo and representative of Ikeja local Government San. Ajewole Oludare , during the pre-event press briefing for the year 2022 annual Walk for Nature

    Addressing a press conference to sensitize the public on the importance of the year 2022 Annual Walk for Nature on Tuesday at Alausa, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello said the programme over the years has continued to create awareness and sensitize Lagosians on the importance of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity.

    L-R. Director, Business Dev. & Communications, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) Mr Uche Achunine, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, and Director, Conservation and Ecology, office of Environmental Services, Mrs Tolulope Adeyo, during the pre-event press briefing for the year 2022 annual Walk for Nature exercise, held on the 15th of October 2022, at the Lagos State Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources conference room, Secretariat Alausa Ikeja.

    He said Lagos State Government had since 2008 been collaborating with Nigerian Conservation Foundation to enlighten the citizenry on the importance of environmental protection and conservation through a yearly programme tagged “WALK FOR NATURE”.

    He stressed that the collaboration which has been on annually for the past fifteen (15) years of observing “WALK FOR NATURE” on every third Saturday of October of each year, adding that the theme for each year is coined from the theme of World Environment Day –“ Only One Earth”.

    The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environment, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner said the State Government is seeking to demonstrate an interest in conservation matters through partnership and collaboration with the Private sector and Non-governmental organizations in compliance with the SDG 17.

    PIX 0167, 0166, 0158: L-R. Director, Business Dev. & Communications, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) Mr Uche Achunine, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, and Director, Conservation and Ecology, office of Environmental Services, Mrs Tolulope Adeyo, during the pre-event press briefing for the year 2022 annual Walk for Nature exercise, held on the 15th of October 2022, at the Lagos State Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources conference room, Secretariat Alausa Ikeja.

    Bello said Walk for Nature is geared towards Promoting healthy lifestyles, improving physical fitness and increasing the environmental health of the residents through a reduction of vehicular emission.

    He stressed that the event over the years has created a great deal of consciousness amongst Lagosians especially those on Lagos Island which is one of the 5 divisions of Lagos State.

    “To further spread the awareness state-wide, this year’s programme has been extended to other parts of the State, and the commemoration will take place simultaneously in Ikeja Local Government, Surulere Local Government, and Ikoyi Obalende Local Council Development Area as a strategy to decentralize the awareness campaign and better reach out to the populace, he said.

    The Director General, Nigeria Conservation Foundation, Dr. Joseph Onoja while speaking, reiterated that the programme is to create more awareness on the activities that mount pressure on biodiversity and wildlife as well as to improve behavioral change amongst the people towards nature.

    PIX 0167, 0166, 0158: L-R. Director, Business Dev. & Communications, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) Mr Uche Achunine, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, and Director, Conservation and Ecology, office of Environmental Services, Mrs Tolulope Adeyo, during the pre-event press briefing for the year 2022 annual Walk for Nature exercise, held on the 15th of October 2022, at the Lagos State Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources conference room, Secretariat Alausa Ikeja.

    The Director General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, who spoke through the Director, Business Development and Communications, Mr. Uche Achunine noted that people should always bear in mind that the more they harm some species by killing them and engaged in deforestation, the more they are harming themselves.

    He urged everyone to learn how to treat nature nicely in order to promote healthy lifestyle always and key into the walk to continually promote environmental awareness.

    The 2022 Walk for Nature will hold on Saturday 15th of October simultaneously in 3 locations, namely Ikoyi, Ikeja and Surulere Local Government Areas.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR

  • 2022 WORLD CLEAN UP DAY: LAGOS SENSITISES COMMUNITIES ON PROPER SANITATION.

    By

    The Lagos State Government on Saturday joined the rest of the world to mark World Clean Up Day, sensitizing local communities on proper Sanitation to improve good hygiene behaviours.

    Speaking during the sensitization campaign and clean-up exercise held at Alausa Village, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji said the exercise is about galvanizing residents to clean up and sanitize their immediate environment.

    PIX 092912 /092853 L-R: Director Environmental Sanitation Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth, Director Monitoring Enforcement and Compliance,Mr Elias Fasasi, Baale, Alausa Community in Ikeja, High Chief Toyin Badmus, Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services and Director Environmental Education Unit, Mrs Mosurat Banire and Deputy Director Environmental Sanitation, Mr Tokunbo Lasisi, during the year 2022 World Clean up Day, held on the 17th of September 2022, at Alausa community, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The Permanent Secretary who spoke through the Director, of Environmental Education, Mrs. Monsurat Banire said the exercise is a global social action program that was first observed in Estonia, a European country in 2018 and aimed at combating the global solid waste problem including the problem of marine waste.

    He added that the environment needs people just as people need the environment because there is strong correlation between sanitation and health problems such as malaria, diarrhea, cholera and death.

    According to him, it behoves all to collectively contribute their quota in achieving and ensuring environmental sustainability.

    Gaji, stated that the exercise this year focused on cleaning and sensitization the residents of Alausa stressing that participants commenced the exercise from the Ministry of the Environment premises and cleaned up trash as they walk along Governor’s Avenue through LASEPA through Kafi street to Jogunosimi Makinde and Odewale communities where intensive cleaning took place.

    He explained that as a result of the large and increasing population in the state, waste generation is an unavoidable aspect of man’s activities and should be well managed.

    “Everyone present is expected to put in his or her full dedication into today’s exercise to ensure the complete clean up of the designated areas as it is a clarion call that has the full backing of Mr Governor and the Honourable Commissioner”, he said.

    He commended the Baale, lya Oloja, Volunteer Groups, NGOs, CDAs, Community members, Marketers, Artisans and all other participants present for the success of the exercise, saying they are the vanguards of the environment.

    He urged all residents to emulate the gesture in order to ensure adequate protection of the environment which will in turn result in the sustainable development of Lagos State.

    In his welcome address, the Director of Sanitation Services, Dr Hassan Sanuth appealed to residents to always take sanitation as a civic responsibility and ensure the regular clean-up of their immediate environment.

    He said if the State is to become a healthy and productive society capable of contributing to the nation’s long-term development, then everyone must understand that environmental sanitation must not be taken for granted and appreciate why it is very important.

    In his remarks, the Baale of Alausa Land, High Chief Toyin Badmus expressed appreciation to the government for the initiative and called on residents to support the government to sustain the culture of consistent clean-up of their environment as well as make it an everyday attitude.

    He enjoined everyone to bear in mind that cleanliness is next to Godliness, adding that unhealthy practices in the environment could lead to contamination and diseases.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director Public Affairs
    MOE &WR
    September 17, 2022

  • LAGOS ADVOCATES ENVIRONMENTAL ATTITUDINAL CHANGE IN COASTAL COMMUNITIES.

    By

    The Lagos State Government on Tuesday advocated Environmental Attitudinal change among residents in coastal communities.

    Such attitudinal change includes abstinence from all forms of environmental pollution and encroachments in coastal communities in the state.

    Speaking during an advocacy meeting held at Makanjuola Hall, Lagos State University, LASU, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Omobolaji Gaji said the programme was part of effort towards creating awareness on the importance of preserving coastal communities and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

    PIX 7373 L-R: Rep of the PS, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Akinyode Abiodun, Rep. of the PS, Office of Environmental Services and Director Environmental Sanitation Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth, Director, Environmental Education Unit, Mrs Monsurat Banire, and Guest Lecturer, Director, Environmental Assessment dept. Dr. Olasunkanmi Sojinu during the one day Environmental Education Advocacy meeting on Attitudinal Change in Coastal Communities held at Makanjuola Hall, Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo on the 13th, Sept, 2022.

    Gaji represented by the Director, Sanitation Services, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Hassan Sanuth explained that Coastal communities in the recent past provided a great advantage to humanity
    based on its contribution to the food supply chain.

    He explained that coastal regions are important features in the landscape that provide numerous beneficial services for human, fish and wildlife adding that,
    some of these services and functions include protecting and improving water quality, providing food and maintaining surface water flow during dry periods.

    He said the anthropogenic activities of residents in coastal communities in the State following constant pollution and encroachment in various forms threatens
    the ecosystems.

    PIX 7362..L-R: Representative of the Chairman, Ojo LG, Hon. Joel Todonu, Rep of the PS, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Akinyode Abiodun, Rep of the PS, Office of Environmental Services and Dir. Environmental Sanitation Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth, Director, Environmental Educ Unit, Mrs Monsurat Banire, and Guest Lecturer, Director, Environmental Assessment, Dr Olasunkanmi Sojinu at Environmental Advocacy meeting on Attitudinal Change in Coastal areas held at LASU on Wed.

    He highlighted the activities to include indiscriminate disposal of industrial and Human waste dumped on wetlands and River banks stating that everyone must be encouraged to commit to proactively improve coastal communities.

    Gaji said communities in Ojo, Ikorodu, Ibeju Lekki, Badagry, Apapa were at great risks and sensitive to these prevailing environmental issues adding that danger looms if human attitude to the environment is not appropriately checked.

    “We all need to take a recourse in ensuring compliance to effective and efficient waste management, waste water storage and disposal, sanitary tank construction and management” he said.

    He opined that imbibing the required environmentally appropriate attitude is a task for everyone irrespective of status or placement in the society.

    Giving an overview on the surveillance carried out in Tedi, Ijede and Ariyo communities all in Ojo Local Government, the Director Environmental Education Unit, Mrs Monsurat Banire said it was discovered that most septic tanks in these communities were poorly constructed hence water from the septic tanks are discharged directly into the drainage channels and roads contaminating the
    water bodies and the aquifer.

    She said there is no better time than now to scale-up the level of awareness as it affects residents in the Ojo Local Government and other coastal areas of the State towards enlightening residents on the importance of attitudinal change and the development of great respect and value to the environment.

    The Guest lecturer, Director Environmental Assessment in the Office of Environmental Services, Dr Olasunkanmi Sojinu said the Earth is the only planet that supports human existence hence the need to ensure that it is not destroyed.

    He mentioned tree felling, open defecation, bush burning, indiscriminate refuse disposal as a few of human activities that are affecting the earth while advicing residents to desist from these activities and ensure their commitment to sustainable environment.

     

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina

    Director (Public Affairs)

    MOE &WR

    14th September, 2022

  • RESUMED HEAVY RAINFALLS: LASG RENEWS WARNING TO OWNERS OF STRUCTURES ON DRAINAGE ALIGNMENTS.

    By

    As heavy rainfall intensifies leading to flash floods, Lagos State Government on Tuesday renewed its warning to owners of all structures on drainage alignments and setbacks to please relocate to higher grounds.

    The State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello in a statement on Tuesday said many of such buildings have already been marked in Mende, Maryland and Aboru in Alimosho for contraventions on drainage alignments and may soon be demolished.

    He added that it is regrettable that after several of such warnings, the residents of the areas have refused to move but would rather resort to cheap blackmail of having nowhere to relocate to.

    Bello, who spoke against the background of a viral video of some people being rescued in Mende, emphasized that the area is a lowlying flood plain as attested to by the ODS markings on all the buildings in the viral video just as it is the drainage route for all the water coming from Agindigbi, Oregun, Opebi, Allen, GRA, Maryland up to Ogudu Foreshore.

    He said now is the time for the residents of all such areas in the state to hearken to the voice of reason by relocating to safeguard lives and properties.

    While pleading for calm from all residents, he stated that the drainages have the capacity to contain water runoff when the rain stops just as it is happening already.

    Bello said the heavy torrential rainfall which started in the early hours of Monday and still continued on Tuesday afternoon has caused flash floods in many areas.

    He reiterated his assurance that a minimum of four hours after the rainfall ceases, the water level in the lagoon will go down, allowing water from major collectors to flow into it and enabling all flood water that may have inundated our roads and streets to leave the streets.

    He stated that one constant factor that should be borne in mind always about Lagos is that it is a coastal city with over one third of its land mass under water.

    Bello said part of the proactive measures which the state has embraced is the all year round cleaning, clearing and outright construction of drainage channels that have increased their capacity to contain water and silt.

    He said the measure has helped in mitigating the effects the flash floods would have had on lives and properties.

    He said additionally, men of quick rapid response drainage team named Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) have continued to clean dark spots and free manholes across all primary, secondary and tertiary drains.

    He said going by the rainfall projections advisory issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Services NIMET early in the year, Lagos was projected to be among the moderately projected to be affected by flooding this year.

    He reiterated the dangers inherent in people wadding through floods especially with high currents during rainfalls, warning that people and vehicles could be swept away in such situations.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Dir. (Public Affairs)
    13th of September, 2022