LAGOS, OGUN BEGIN CAMPAIGN AGAINST OPEN DEFECATION ON EXPRESSWAY
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In a proactive step aimed at safeguarding public health and fostering environmental sustainability, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and its Ogun State Counterpart (OGSEPA) have commenced a comprehensive media campaign and public sensitisation banning open defecation along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, notably, the median from the Opic Plaza to Otedola Bridge inward Lagos end of the newly rehabilitated road.
The two State governments noted that the effort was aimed at preventing the spread of cholera and other communicable diseases in the areas while restoring the aesthetics of the newly rehabilitated road as a gateway to Lagos, the nation’s Centre of Excellence and Africa’s 4th largest economy.
The campaign and cleaning exercise was led by General Manager (LASEPA) Dr. Babatunde Ajayi alongside the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Environmental Protection Matters, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde and Mr. Taiwo Abiodun, who represented the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Ojodu Berger Branch.
He averred that the exercise aims to raise awareness and encourage behavioural change among the residents. The cleaning exercise spanned the median from OPIC Plaza to Berger Bus Stop, extending down to Otedola Bridge inward Lagos, an area identified as a blackspot for environmental infractions.
He emphasised the importance of raising awareness about the dangers associated with open defecation, adding that open defecation has become a pervasive problem in many communities globally, leading to serious health implications, particularly, cholera and other communicable diseases.
Dr. Ajayi warned residents about the associated risk with open defecation, especially during the rainy season, urging everyone along the corridor to utilise designated toilet facilities for the sake of public health and the environment.
He explained further that the State government, through LASEPA, had the understanding of all the petrol filling stations and eateries along the axis to allow the public access to their conveniences pending the completion of the multiple public toilet projects embarked upon by the Sanwo-Olu administration across the State.
While explaining how the median cleaning effort would be sustained, Dr. Ajayi stated that relevant stakeholders would be engaged by the two States to police the area against further degradation. He also announced the establishment of a strong enforcement team tasked with prosecuting offenders of environmental regulations.
Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, representing the Ogun State government, commended LASEPA for leading this critical campaign, emphasising the necessity for inter-state collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.
Kehinde said, “LASEPA’s initiative is commendable, and it sets a strong precedent for how we can work together to tackle common issues”.
Mr. Taiwo Abiodun, representing the Chairman NURTW Ojodu Berger Branch, pledged the union’s support for the campaign, urging transporters and commuters to adhere to environmental regulations. “We must all play our part in keeping our environment clean and safe. This campaign is a vital step towards that goal”, he stated.
The campaign included a clean-up exercise on the median, public enlightenment, and interactive sessions with commuters and residents aimed to foster dialogue about environmental issues and empower citizens to take action in their communities.
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