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.
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.
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