The Lagos State Government has pledged to deepen public engagement and environmental advocacy as residents continue to embrace the reintroduced monthly sanitation exercise across the state.
The commitment was made on Saturday during the May edition of the exercise, observed between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., with top government officials, including the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, participating in clean-up activities at Orisumbare in Shasha, Alimosho Local Government Area.
Speaking after monitoring the exercise, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation, noting that many residents turned out to clean their surroundings despite the recent Sallah celebrations.
According to him, the growing acceptance of the exercise has encouraged the government to strengthen its sensitisation and advocacy efforts to further promote environmental responsibility among residents.
Wahab, who monitored the exercise alongside the member representing Alimosho Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Lukmon Orelope, Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, and other senior government officials, said the initiative has recorded encouraging progress considering that it was revived after nearly a decade of suspension.
He stated that an assessment of the first two editions showed that residents were gradually keying into the programme, adding that sustained awareness campaigns would help consolidate the gains already recorded.
The commissioner also responded to complaints from residents regarding irregular refuse collection by Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators, assuring that the concerns were receiving government attention.
He explained that Alimosho, being one of the largest local government areas in both Lagos State and the country, presents unique operational challenges, adding that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) would engage PSP operators to identify and address factors hindering efficient waste evacuation.
Wahab commended the Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Mr Johnson Akinpelumi, for supporting waste management efforts through the provision of two compactor trucks to complement LAWMA’s operations in the area.
On the proposed reward scheme for the cleanest local government area, the commissioner disclosed that the initiative remains on track, noting that performance data from across the state are currently being collated and evaluated.
“The exercise is still being assessed and ratings are being compiled. The results will be made public in due course,” he said.
In a similar exercise at Apapa Local Government Area, the Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, said public participation in the sanitation programme continues to gain momentum, stressing the need for sustained advocacy to entrench a culture of cleanliness among residents.
Agoro noted that maintaining a clean environment is essential to public health and disease prevention, adding that the government would continue to demonstrate its commitment through consistent enforcement and public enlightenment.
He urged residents to willingly embrace the exercise, emphasising that environmental cleanliness ultimately translates into healthier communities and improved quality of life.
“We want residents to voluntarily participate because everyone benefits from a cleaner environment. No one wants to live in surroundings that encourage the spread of diseases,” he said.
The Head of Service also commended officials of Apapa Local Government for their support and cooperation, stressing that the success of the monthly sanitation initiative requires collective action from government, communities and residents alike.
Accompanying Agoro during the monitoring exercise were the Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Mrs Adejumoke Senbanjo; Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji; Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs Sunkanmi Oyegbola; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila; as well as heads of agencies and directors from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
The monthly sanitation exercise forms part of the Lagos State Government’s broader strategy to restore environmental consciousness, improve waste management and foster a cleaner and healthier urban environment across the state.
