The Lagos State Government has urged the 57 council chairmen across the state to mobilize residents for the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, stressing that active participation is crucial for a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos.
Commissioner Leads Monitoring Exercise
Commissioner for the Environment Tokunbo Wahab made the call while monitoring the sanitation exercise on Saturday, May 30, at Alimosho Local Council. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to environmental cleanliness, stating that dedicating two hours each month to cleaning is a civic responsibility residents should willingly embrace.
Wahab was accompanied by the First Lady of the state, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, along with other ministry officials, including Alimosho Local Government Chairman Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson, and schoolchildren. He commended residents and sanitation workers for cleaning their surroundings despite a low turnout in some areas.
Commitment to Monthly Sanitation
“We recently had a major festival, but today we are cleaning our environment because we have a commitment that every last Saturday of the month is dedicated to environmental sanitation in Lagos,” Wahab stated. He urged local authorities to intensify engagement with residents to strengthen participation in sanitation activities and environmental awareness campaigns.
Wahab was joined by Lukmon Orelope, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Alimosho; Special Adviser on Environment Kunle Rotimi-Akodu; and permanent secretaries, including Olakunle Adegbite of Drainage Services and Dr. Idowu Oyetola. He noted that the state is making progress with the exercise after a nearly 10-year suspension.
Reward for Cleanest Council
He assured residents that the plan to reward the cleanest local council is still on course, with performance figures being collated and results to be released soon.
Head of Service Monitors Apapa Exercise
Meanwhile, Head of Service Mr. Olabode Agoro led another team to monitor the exercise at Apapa Local Council. He said participation and awareness are gradually improving, stressing that advocacy must continue to entrench a culture of cleanliness among residents.
“We must keep pushing in order for residents to know that government is serious. Nobody would like to live in a dirty environment because it is a breeding ground for diseases,” Agoro said. He added that the government wants residents to voluntarily embrace the exercise, as a cleaner environment promotes healthier living.
Agoro thanked the Apapa Local Government executives for their cooperation, calling on everyone to join hands for the success of the monthly exercise.
