The Lagos State Government has called on residents to embrace a culture of cleanliness and prioritise good environmental sanitation and hygiene practices across all communities in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Tajudeen, made the call during activities to commemorate the National Environmental Sanitation Day (NESD) in selected communities in Somolu.
He noted that the annual event serves as a vital reminder of the importance of sanitation and hygiene in protecting public health and preserving the environment.
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Represented by the Director of Sanitation Services, Hassan Sanuth, Gaji stressed the need to prevent the spread of diseases such as cholera and other sanitation-related illnesses through proper hygiene and sanitation.
“We cannot overlook the dangers posed by poor sanitation, inadequate waste management, and unhygienic practices in our communities. These can lead to disease outbreaks, water contamination, and environmental degradation,” he said.
Speaking on this year’s NESD theme, ‘Safe Sanitation & Hygiene for Disease Protection’, Gaji highlighted the importance of maintaining proper hygiene and safe sanitation practices to safeguard public health.
He said the National Environmental Sanitation Day was established to raise public awareness about the role of sanitation in controlling and preventing communicable diseases.
Gaji urged residents to cultivate good hygiene habits, ensure proper waste disposal through the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA)-accredited Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators, regularly clean drainage channels, cut overgrown vegetation, and make use of proper sanitation facilities.
He added that the state government is leveraging Community Development Committees (CDCs) to promote community-led sanitation initiatives and sustain grassroots engagement on environmental issues.
“We commend the efforts of individuals, communities, and organisations working diligently to improve sanitation and hygiene across Lagos. Their contributions are helping to ensure safer and cleaner living environments for all”, Gaji stated.
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The Baale of Orile Somolu, Chief Mufutau Awoseyi, also spoke at the event.
He urged residents to keep their surroundings clean and adopt proper waste disposal methods. He appealed to the government to consider reinstating the monthly environmental sanitation exercise to further enhance community health and living standards.
The state government marked the day with a community clean-up exercise in Somolu, covering Fadipe Street, George Street, and Efon Alaye Street.
