The Lagos State Government has cleaned-up the Shomolu community in commemoration of the National Environmental Sanitation Day and sensitised the residents to environmental pollution and hygiene.
The Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services in Lagos State, Dr Tajudeen Gaji, said at the exercise on Thursday that it was organised to create environmental awareness in the community.
Gaji was represented by the Director, Sanitation Services, Lagos state Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Dr Hassan Sanuth.
The theme of the event: is ‘Safe Sanitation & Hygiene for Disease Protection.”’
“This occasion serves as an evocative reminder of the critical role sanitation and hygiene play in safeguarding public health and protecting our environment.
“We cannot but acknowledge the profound impact and the resulting effect of poor sanitation and hygiene, inadequate sanitation facilities, poor waste management, and unhygienic practices on our communities.
“All these can lead to the spread of diseases, contamination of our water sources, and degradation of our environment,” he said.
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Gaji, while applauding the efforts of residents across the state in improving sanitation and hygiene, said the state was working tirelessly to ensure clean and safe living conditions.
“We also celebrate the progress made in improving sanitation and hygiene practices across the state as we applaud the efforts of individuals, communities, and organisations working tirelessly to promote safe sanitation and hygiene practices.
“They also ensure that everyone has access to clean and safe living conditions.
“The theme underscores the importance of adopting and maintaining safe sanitation and hygiene practices in our daily lives.
“It also highlights the need for us to prioritise the assigned sanitation facilities, PSP waste collectors, to practice good hygiene habits, and to promote a culture of cleanliness and sanitation in our communities,” he said.
He enjoined everyone to reaffirm the commitment to improving sanitation and hygiene practices in the communities.
“Let us work together to promote safe sanitation practices, including proper waste disposal management
“Encourage good hygiene habits such as regular hand washing with soap and clean water.
“Support the construction and maintenance of proper sanitation facilities and educate and raise awareness about the importance of sanitation and hygiene in disease prevention,” he said.
He appealed to everyone to work together with the government to achieve a more resilient environment.
“By working together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable, and more resilient environment for all.
“Let us seize this opportunity to make a positive impact on our communities and to ensure a brighter future for ourselves and future generations,” he said.
The Baale of Orile-Shomolu, Mr Muftau Awoseyi, while speaking with journalists, applauded the state government for the exercise and sensitisation.
Awoseyi assured the government that the community would abide by the environmental laws of the state.
He appealed to the governor to bring back the monthly environmental sanitation, adding that it would further strengthen the efforts of the government at ensuring a safe environment.
He admonished his community residents to always patronise the PSP operators and desist from dumping refuse into the gutters.