Sanwo-Olu Flagoff  Environmental Sanitation and Annual Tree Planting Re-Introduction | ClipTV Online

On Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the Campus Mini Stadium in Lagos Island, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, and other dignitaries, officially flagged off the re-introduction of environmental sanitation in Lagos State.

In his address, Governor Sanwo-Olu declared July 14 as the annual tree planting day, urging every resident to plant a tree within their compound. He highlighted the health benefits of trees, such as improving air quality and supporting better respiratory health.

The Governor expressed concern over the “deliberate sabotage” of drainage systems by individuals removing manhole covers on major roads, which undermines mechanisms designed to protect drainage channels and can lead to flooding and other environmental issues.

Connecting the importance of hygiene to public health, Governor Sanwo-Olu pointed out that poor sanitation practices contribute to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera. In response, he announced that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) will begin distributing waste bags and bins to communities as part of a broader sensitization exercise aimed at promoting proper waste disposal and overall cleanliness.

“We are using the sanitation in Lagos Island as a form of advocacy which we will push forward to the entire State,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said. “Our plan is to ensure we begin a collective action of ensuring cleanliness in our environment. This is important, and we strongly believe it is something every citizen must be awakened to. This effort must start from our houses, schools, offices, and markets.”

He emphasized that cleanliness and environmental sanitation require collective effort, and the awareness campaign will be disseminated through various electronic and social media channels. The governor also highlighted the significance of World Tree Planting Day, setting an ambitious target of planting 20,000 trees before next year.

Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, stated that the sanitation advocacy by the state government aims to enhance the well-being of residents. Restoring regular sanitation practices is expected to elevate hygiene standards and improve the overall lifespan of citizens. He emphasized that maintaining a clean and conducive environment is a shared responsibility and urged the development of strategic methods to keep the environment flood-free through regular cleaning and desilting of drainage systems.

Hon. Prince Tijani Adetoyese Olusi, Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, noted that environmental sanitation has been a practice in Lagos State since 1999 but had been discontinued in recent years. However, the recent cholera outbreak underscored the need to reinstate regular cleaning efforts to prevent disease outbreaks in a cosmopolitan city like Lagos. Prince Olusi called on Lagosians to be prepared for continuous monitoring and cleaning of the environment, particularly the drainages, to ensure the free flow of wastewater and prevent flooding. He reiterated the importance of collective action in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all residents.

Signed: Media Team