Sanwo-Olu warns Lagosians against littering, vandalism

…Launches environmental awareness campaign

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has warned residents against littering drains and vandalizing manholes.

Speaking on Sunday at the Campos playground on Odunlami Street during the launch of a community-based environmental sanitation awareness program, the Governor emphasized the need for residents to prioritize environmental cleanliness.

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed concern over the widespread littering observed during his tour of Lagos Island streets, stressing the importance of adopting good environmental practices to prevent disease outbreaks. Accompanied by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, he noted that many manholes had been removed and filled with refuse.

The Governor announced that the awareness campaign would extend to all 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, aiming for community-wide adoption of environmental initiatives.

He revealed that the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) would soon begin distributing waste bags and bins to facilitate proper waste disposal. In addition, a task force comprising officials from the Ministries of Works and Infrastructure and Environment would address manhole removal issues.

Sanwo-Olu also pledged to lead Executive Council members in weekly street cleaning and drainage desilting efforts. This initiative, he stated, would become a regular practice leading up to the potential reinstatement of the Monthly Sanitation Exercise.

The launch coincided with the annual Tree Planting Day on July 14, promoting tree planting to beautify the environment, regulate temperature, and mitigate climate change effects.

In his welcome address, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, highlighted the importance of reintroducing the Sanitation Exercise to promote a clean and healthy environment. He urged residents to participate actively in waste management to reduce disease risks.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Chairman of the House Committee on the Environment, Hon. Olanrewaju Afinnih; Special Adviser on the Environment, Engr. Kunle Rotimi-Akodu; and Permanent Secretaries Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen and Engr. Mahamood Adegbite.