• LAGOS TO EXPAND SCOPE OF PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP FOR A GREENER ECONOMY

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    As preparations peaked for the 9th Lagos Climate Change Summit, the State has expressed readiness to expand the scope of private sector partnership for a greener Lagos.

    Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde, Honourable Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Omobolaji Gaji, and Consultant on Climate Change, Prof. Babajide Alo, during the Press conference in preparation for the Lagos 9th International Climate Change Summit, held on the 27th of July, at Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources conference room, Alausa, Ikeja.

    Speaking at a pre-event media briefing at Alausa to herald the commencement of the Summit on Tuesday, August 2, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tunji Bello said better and faster result is expected from the collaboration.

    He explained that the collaboration which has started from the conception and planning stage will get to the delivery of the mandates of the summit.

    “This collaboration is in recognition of the impact of the organized private sector on economic growth in Lagos and our resolve to mainstream climate action in the next phase of the developmental agenda of Lagos State” he explained.

    He highlighted that the theme for the summit “Integrating Climate Actions in Lagos State Development: Investment Opportunities and Trade-offs’’ demonstrates government’s commitment to Climate Action as a State and how new vistas of opportunities could be opened.

    He said last year during the 8th Lagos Climate Change Summit, the government launched the Lagos Climate Action Plan which is aimed at charting a course towards achieving net zero emission in Lagos by the year 2050 which is achievable through the implementation of impact-oriented actions across major sectors of the economy.

    He added that what this translates into is that the government have to accelerate the development of a green economy in the state by exploring innovative climate solutions and mobilizing necessary resources required to achieve this target.

    He informed that Mr Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu will be the Special Guest of Honour at the 2022 Summit while the lead paper titled: ‘’Financing Transformative Climate Actions for Lagos State’’ will be delivered by Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, of the Center for Climate and Development, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Nigeria.

    He appealed to all stakeholders, development partners, investors to join in the progress towards achieving a green and sustainable economic growth in Lagos.
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    SIGNED
    KUNLE ADESHINA
    DIRECTOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MOE&WR

    27TH JULY, 2022.

  • LASG SYMPATHISES WITH RESIDENTS OVER FLASH FLOODS IN SEVERAL AREAS

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    ……Says the Oko Oba Channel is undergoing expansion.

    …..Urges motorists and pedestrians to avoid wading through floods during rainfalls

    Lagos State Government on Saturday sympathized with residents of the state over heavy flash flooding experienced in several parts of the State including Oko Oba in Agege, urging everyone to remain vigilant and cautious.

    The State Government in a statement signed by the commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello said flash flooding on old Oko Oba Road followed the ceaseless rainfall of over 10 hours that led to the overflowing of the Oko Oba Canal Channel which is presently undergoing expansion.

    Bello stated that the Oko Oba Canal in Agege is being expanded to allow for the containment of more stormwater that would reduce flooding in the area.

    He explained that the state Government has always adviced that motorists and residents should be cautious and refrain from wading through flood waters during heavy rainfalls largely because of the dangers inherent in it.

    He added that the contractor handling the expansion project has been slowed down by the intensity of the rains of the past weeks but is committed to the completion of the project.

    He reminded that because of the coastal nature of the state, it is bound to experience flooding when there is heavy rainfall, especially about a rainfall that started on Friday with high intensity and has not receded till over 36 hours after.

    He said all the water bodies into which the channels including the Oko Oba channel will deliver have risen and will only recede hours after the rainfall ceases.

    Bello appealed to residents to be very cautious as Lagos will experience more heavy rains till end of August and that all residents and motorists should avoid having to wade through floods while it is raining.

    He also urged all those in depressed and low-lying areas in the state at this period to be wary of water levels and be ready to move to high areas during the rainfall to safeguard lives and properties.

    The Commissioner also enjoined the people to complement the efforts of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang of the state that are busy freeing up all clogged black spots all the time by not dumping refuse into drains and canals.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR

  • CLEANLINESS SHOULD BE EVERY RESIDENT’S WATCHWORD DURING SALLAH – TUNJI BELLO

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    ….Reiterates ban on Sale of Rams on Highways and Roads.

    As the Sallah celebration approaches, the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources on Thursday called on residents to continue to make cleaniness and safety their watchword throughout the season

    In a statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, he urged Lagosians to respect the environment, be mindful of littering and dispose of animal waste properly during the festive period.

    He said all generated waste through slaughtering of rams and other animals as well as waste from food items must be properly disposed, through bagging and placement at designated points.

    He warned against dumping wastes generated from slaughtering of animals into drains, stating that such action will come back to haunt all residents through flooding.

    He added that sanitation workers and waste managers would all be on duty and have been mandated to work relentlessly across the State during this period.

    “ It is not unexpected that there will be an increase in generated waste during and after the Sallah, therefore our Sanitation Intervention Programme with the combined efforts of the Ministry of the Environment and Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is still on course to rid Lagos of indiscriminate refuse dumping” he assured.

    He said that the administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu would continue to be in the fore front of the campaign for a healthy and cleaner environment, encouraging Lagosians to desist from acts that could have negative impacts on the environment.

    He reminded Lagosians that the Law against street trading was still in force, stressing that this includes display of rams on major highways, road medians, lay-byes, gardens and parks across the State.

    “While it is a usual act for some traders to take advantage of the season to display and sell rams, this must be done at designated markets without defacing the environment, affecting traffic or compromising the wellbeing of Lagosians”, he said.

    Bello while felicitating with all Muslims reminded all that as the rains are here urged Lagosians to guard against the outbreak of epidemics, by ensuring that wastes are handled in the most appropriate way without defacing the aesthetic of the state.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR

    6th July, 2022

  • LAGOS ADVOCATES EMBRACE OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR ABATTOIR OPERATORS

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    …Holds 1 Day workshop for Slaughter Houses and Abattoir Operators

    Lagos State Government on Thursday engaged owners of slaughterhouses and Abattoir Operators to embrace the process of circular economy, where waste generated in Abattoirs will be converted into other uses as a means to tackle various global challenges.

    This call was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello during a one day workshop on Environmental Management in Abattoirs and Slaughter Houses in Lagos State, themed “Circular Economy: Conversion of Abattoir Waste to wealth ” held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja.

    Tunji Bello represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji added that such global challenges which need to be tackled include climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, pollution amongst others.

    He explained that routine monitoring of the Abattoirs and Slaughter houses/slabs by officials of this Ministry has established that over 3000 cattles are slaughtered daily in over 50 identified Slaughter Slabs/Houses across the State.

    “It has been observed that operators of these facilities often have difficulties in disposing, treating and processing the waste generated in an environmentally acceptable manner thereby allowing untreated wastewater to eventually finds its way into the natural water bodies.

    He added that poor handling of other wastes such as the Cow dung, bones, blood and others result in different degrees of environmental degradation and pollution.

    He added that also associated with the poor waste management in Abattoirs is biodiversity loss that affects the food chain, increase the Bio – chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of the natural water bodies due to promotion of bacterial growth thereby depriving other aquatic organisms of the much needed oxygen for survival.

    He stressed that poor animal waste management contributed to environmental pollution such as underground water pollution, air pollution, odour nuisance, soil pollution leading to transmission of diseases to human. (Zoonosis).

    He said the accumulation of Cow dungs, Paunch contents and bones would encourage the build-up of methane gas, Green House Gas that causes depletion of the ozone layer and invariably causes global warming.

    He maintained that the consequence of the poor management of waste from the operations of the abattoir facilities constitute a high risk to the sustainability of the Environment as well as public health.

    He stated that the present administration led by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has proactively put the issues of the environment at a very prominent place in its policy thrust and has remained committed to it.

    He recalled that the world recently celebrated the environment day with the theme, “Only One Earth”, underscoring the fact that there is no other planet available to all and so everyone need to take care of the only one Earth.

    He emphasized that now more than ever, matters that affect the environment have become the focus of every government that cares for the welfare of its people and the future generation.

    He said the destructive action on the environment needs to be reversed with utmost urgency and everyone have a role to play to reverse the unsafe practices that impact negatively on the environment and imbibe more sustainable practices.

    He said the workshop expected to afford participants the opportunity to turn waste to economically useful products that will reduce their operation cost as well as increase their revenue.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the representative of the Permanent Secretary, Director of Sanitation Services Department, Dr. Hassan Sanuth said the workshop was designed to educate and encourage participants to adopt best available methods in the management of operational by-products and eliminate the negative impacts of abattoir operations on the environment.

    He urged everyone to make efforts to ensure that the environment that would be bequeathed to the future generations remains as livable as people are living in it today or try to improve for better.

    In her lecture, the Guest Lecturer, Dr Margret Owolabi speaking on the topic converting Bone and Blood to viable products said an average yield of 10 -20kg of blood can be derived from 1 cow saying that cow blood is very high in Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Calcium.

    She said animal blood can be used as fertilizers as well as mixed with animal feed while bone is also made into Gelatin, Glue and bone meal adding that Abattoir Operators need to collaborate with investors for high tech value addition for local and export purposes.

    She concluded that efficient treatment of animal by-products encourage rapid hygienic disposal of waste thus avoiding decomposition and formation of obnoxious odour.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director Public Affairs
    MOE &WR
    June 23, 2022

  • LAGOS SEEKS PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP ON CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

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    Lagos State Government on Thursday convened the first edition of Lagos Climate Change Business Meeting with the organised private sector, sharing her vision in advancing Climate Action in the State.

    Speaking at the roundtable talk held at Ebony Life Place, Victoria Island, the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello said government as an enabler is keen on partnering with the private sector to confront climate change.

    He added that the several mitigation and Adaptation measures adopted by government could be embraced by the private to improve their productivity, profit and make the state more liveable.

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, he said the State Government has deemed it necessary to begin to have conversations to co-opt the private sector into the Lagos Climate Action initiative.

    He revealed that climate change is now more of a developmental issue which requires the collaborative effort of Government, The Organized Private Sector, Civil Society Organizations, The Academia and all relevant stakeholders.

    Bello said Government in year 2021 launched its Climate Action Plan which is expected to equip the State to take decisive and impact-oriented action to address the development challenges it faces in the pursuit of sustainable low-carbon and climate-resilient socio-economic development.

    “In as much as we are aware of the threat climate change poses to the environment, the economy and livelihoods, we also need to begin to view climate change through the prism of the opportunities it presents in the areas of job creation, attraction of direct investments, healthcare improvements, waste to energy initiatives, sustainable infrastructure development, and renewable energy investments” he adviced.

    Bello gave an example of the result from the Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory conducted by the Ministry which revealed that the energy sector contributes the highest emission, while Lagos receives less than12,000MWh daily from the National grid which is about 6.25%.

    “Even if we compare generator cost of N130/ KWh with a grid cost of N50/ KWh , the cost associated with burning fossil fuel by residents and businesses in the State for energy generation daily is estimated at a staggering sum of 14.4 Billion Naira daily and N5.3 Trillion annually . This value currently spent on non-renewable energy sources can be channeled into renewable energy sources with potential savings made” he revealed.

    He said this is a decade of action and it is important to collectively begin to mobilize necessary support and resources to embark on transformative actions on Climate Change adding that this will enable a shift towards green economic growth, develop our adaptive capacity towards climate change and also achieve emission neutrality.

    He however express optimism that with the initiation of the meeting, collaboration on Climate Action will be established and sustained to effectively deliver on the goals of the Lagos Climate Action Plan in the Energy, Waste and Transport Sectors.

    Speaking at the event, the Head and General Manager Sustenability at Dangote Cement, Igazeuma Okoroba commended the initiative of the State Government on the parley, promising Dangote coy’s commitment to its sustenance.

    She said when Government shares its vision as an enabler, the private will be more to participate actively in such venture just like Dangote Cement did with the 8th Lagos Climate Change Summit last year.

    The meeting also had in attendance reresentatives from Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance(FBRA), banks, multinational companies and agencies of the State Government.

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director Public Affairs
    June 16, 2022

  • LAGOS LAUNCHES SANITATION HYGIENE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

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    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday launched a Sanitation and Hygiene Improvement Project to improve good hygiene behaviors amongst the vulnerable in the state.

    The Permanent Secretary Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Nurudeen Shodeinde during the launching at the Amber Residence GRA, Ikeja said that the program is aimed to educate the residents of two selected LCDA Ikorodu North and Ojodu LCDAs on good hygiene.

    Speaking through the Director, Drainage Enforcement and Compliance, Engr. Manmood Adegbite said the project entails disseminating knowledge and understanding of hygiene practices as well as their associated health hazards to low-income populations.

    He added that the goal of the project is also to raise hygiene awareness among people in the target communities, with a focus on hygiene education for women and girls.

    He said that the Government of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu will continue to fund other important projects aimed toward the revitalization of the Water Sanitation and Hygiene sector in the State.

    “This is to formalize the structured and methodical approach to gaining universal adoption of handwashing and faecal sludge disposal, behaviours that are expected to reduce disease-causing micro-organisms and parasite transmission,” he said.

    He stated that the Government through Ministry has been in the campaign for public health before now and has also embarked on the review of WASH policy for the State in collaboration with stakeholders to achieve a proper Institutional arrangement capable of delivering the goal of access to potable water and sanitation to all in the State.

    He added that the Ministry has also embarked on sensitization of the populace on handwashing and hygiene practices stressing that this was backed up by the provision of handwashing facilities in schools, markets and correctional facilities across the State.

    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 hygiene must not be taken for granted and appreciate
    why it is important.

    According to him, “our esteemed audience does not need convincing about the importance of hygiene instead, you are active Stakeholders with whom we can discuss ways to persuade others of the importance of hygiene, water supply, sanitation and public health. If sanitation and hygiene are vital, then stakeholders like you who fight to promote water supply, sanitation and hygiene are critical”.

    He explained that the government has not accomplished all these in isolation, but with the engagement of several partners which include Federal and Local Agencies, WaterAid Nigeria, stakeholders in the academia, development partners and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to accelerate the development of WASH sector in the State.

     

    He said the State Planning and Implementation committee (SPIC) would be inaugurated and its members drawn from different sectors to ensure the successful monitoring of the program while also carrying out advocacy at both the State and Local Government Area/Local Council Development Areas (LGA/LCDA).

    Earlier in his remarks, the representative of the Country Manager, WaterAid/ Kimberly Clark, Mr. Ukeme Essien said the project is aimed at achieving safe services in focused geographic areas to influence wider change and also priotize WASH across the health sector to improve public health.

    He said targeted beneficiaries in this project include 20, 000 mothers, pregnant and lactating women who would be provided with hygiene kits and context specific hygiene promotion activities.

    He emphasized that 5,000 secondary school girls would be reached with hygiene kits, hygiene promotion and menstrual hygiene education adding that 3,000 secondary schools students would benefit from rehabilitated sanitation facilities.

    Also in her welcome address, the Director of Water Resources, Engr. (Mrs.) Omolanke Taiwo said the event was significant because it is about promoting and educating residents of Ikorodu North and Ojodu LCDAs on behavioural change.

    She stated further that the goal of the project is to increase public awareness on good hygiene practices and the risk it poses to their health when not practice.

    She said it should be recalled that baseline survey was conducted at the LCDA level and involved data gathering on schools, Primary Health Care centres and Communities without access to toilets and handwashing facilities.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director Public Affairs
    MOE &WR
    June 15, 2022

  • We are Committed to a Clean Environment – LAWMA Boss

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    …Appeals for waste containerization

    Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has reassured residents of a firm commitment to a clean environment despite the challenge of diesel scarcity, while also appealing to them to bag and containerize their waste.

    The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, stated this on Friday while monitoring the environment, adding that efforts were being intensified, to clear any backlog of refuse, and to stop acts of indiscriminate waste disposal around the city.

    He said: “We have redoubled our efforts, working round the clock to ensure that we evacuate all waste anywhere around the city. Although the scarcity and high cost of diesel have been a major challenge, as all service providers’ trucks run on diesel, nonetheless, we are doing the needful and leaving no stone unturned, to maintain a clean environment and prevent health hazards to the people”.

    “Over preceding months, we have rolled out advocacy and media sensitization campaigns, to inform and educate residents on the importance of environmental cleanliness, particularly the act of waste containerization. We have also supported efforts of PSP operators, by providing backup services in areas that experienced service gaps, with the overall aim of eradicating black spots across the metropolis”.

    He appealed to residents to properly bag and containerize their waste to allow for more storage periods and prevent littering.

    According to him, “The resurgence of waste observed in some areas of the metropolis is borne out of the unforeseen diesel challenges the service providers are experiencing, and since tenements cannot keep waste in their houses, have resorted to bringing it to the highways, which isn’t proper.”

    “While we strongly reiterate the importance of waste containers at home, we passionately appeal and canvass for public cooperation, to combat a resurgence of waste on road medians, canals and other illegal spots.”

    “We are assuring Lagosians of our total commitment to rid the environment of dirt. As we work day and night to make this happen, we urge you to support our efforts because the cleanliness of the state is a collective responsibility”, he stressed.

    Odumboni noted further that despite the serious logistics challenges faced by PSP operators, as a result of the increase in the price of diesel, they had continued to provide services to tenements, adding that the Authority, in order to ensure effective turnaround time of waste collection trucks, had also ensured that landfills in the state are in proper shape.

    “Before now, we had carried out massive rehabilitation work across our various landfills, to improve the turnaround time of PSP trucks servicing tenements and commercial facilities in the state. This has improved the condition of the sites, paving way for seamless waste collection activities”, he stated.

    For inquiries and complaints about services of waste management-related issues in your area, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 07080601020 and 617.

    Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)
    Director, Public Affairs
    24/06/2022

  • SANWO-OLU TO LAGOSIANS: FOCUS ON LIVING SUSTAINABLY WITH NATURE.

    By

    …Joins 2022 World Environment Day celebrations

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu on Sunday stated that there is an urgent need for everyone to focus on the need to live sustainably with nature for the benefit of mankind.

    He made this known during the year 2022 World Environment Day finale held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, adding that it has become necessary for shifting to a greener lifestyle through both policies and individual choices .

    He added that sustainability of the environment are among the most pressing issues in the world today out of which the Earth faces triple planetary emergencies namely; Climate change, loss of biodiversity and Environmental Pollution.

    The Governor who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omolaji Gaji added that the impact of the aforementioned challenges have negatively made the achievements of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) less successful.

    It is pertinent to mention that this year’s theme “Only One Earth” was the slogan for the 1972 Stockholm Conference and 50 years on, this truth still holds as evidenced in the theme for World Environment Day 2022 being “ONLY ONE EARTH”.

    “With nature in emergency mode, the #OnlyOneEarth campaign for World Environment Day 2022, wants us to celebrate the planet through collective environmental action”, he said.

    He said the 1972 Stockholm Conference spurred the formation of environment Ministries around the world and kick-started a host of new global agreements to collectively protect the environment adding that it was also where the goals of poverty alleviation and environmental protection became linked, paving the way for the Sustainable Development Goals.

    He explained that around the world now, the planet is suffering a staggering rate of dramatic environmental change which is increasingly subjected to the negative effects of human population growth and the associated pollution problems.

    He added that Global environmental pollution has altered the earth’s natural system and is becoming an increasing concern for the well-being and survival of many species.

    Sanwo-Olu said time is running out and nature is in emergency mode, adding that without action, exposure to air pollution beyond safe guidelines will increase by 50 percent within the decade hence climate is heating up too quickly for people to survive and adapt to nature.

    He said it is important to note that no matter the economic status, everyone must be a part of Lagos State Development Agenda by getting involved adding, that it is an opportunity given to all to think about nature which offers supply, shelter and ecosystem restoration.

    He said Lagosians must admit the achievement of the State Government in the Greening and Restoration of Indigenous trees project towards curbing climate change effect and its efforts to end open defecation by 2025.

    According to him, while our individual consumption choices do make a difference, it is collective action that will create the transformative environmental change we need, so we can advance to a more sustainable and just Earth, where everyone can flourish.

    He urged everyone to be alive to their responsibilities on this issue of the environment and also to note that sustainable consumption, production drive economic development, mitigate climate change, environmental pollution would positively impact health and alleviate poverty.

    The Governor commended Corporate Organizations, Non-Governmental Institutions, Traditional Groups, Religious Groups and other notable bodies for ensuring that the persistent drive of the State’s policy towards entrusting legacy of greening and restoration of indigenous trees to the citizen is sustained.

    Earlier in address, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello said the Government through Ministry of the Environment & Water Resources has implemented several programmes to mitigate these challenges through Tree planting, Climate change summit, Environmental bees clubs in schools, waste to wealth and ban on open defecation.

    Speaking through the Director of Sanitation Services Department, Dr. Hassan Sanuth, the PS said
    World Environment Day launched the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, to prevent, halt and reserve the degradation of ecosystem on every continent and in every ocean.

    He added that government keyed into this call in 2021 by commencing the greening of Abraham Adesanya set back, together with restoration of some historical plants in specific locations like Agege, Idi-Mangoro where Mango trees were planted, Idi-Agbon in Ifako-Ijaiye where coconut trees were planted and in Lagos Island where breadfruit trees were planted at St. Paul Anglican Primary School, Breadfruit Lagos as part of this year’s celebration.

    The guest lecturer, Dr. Ayo Tella while delivering his paper noted that Anthropogenic effects caused by human activities such as felling of trees have altered the earth’s natural systems and and survival of many species.

    Various categories of awards were presented to corporate organizations, Community Development Areas, and schools amongst others in recognition of contribution to sustainable environment

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director Public Affairs
    MOE &WR
    June 5, 2022