World Environmental Day: Sanwo-Olu urges citizens to partner with govt for healthy environment

By Abimbola Joseph

CITIZENS COMPASS – Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged residents of the state to take up the responsibility and partner with the government to finding sustainable solution to the menace of plastics for a safe, cleaner and healthy environment. 

The Governor disclosed this at a function to commemorate the Day across five local governments in the state. 

Citizens Compass reports that the commemoration of 2023 World Environmental Day is schedule to hold simultaneously across five local governments in the state which include Badagry Ikorodu, Epe, Lagos Island and Ikeja, in the state.

Gov. Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mr Afeez Shittu, Assistant Director, Lagos state parks and garden agency said the aim is to provide the opportunity to sensitise individuals, enterprises and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment.

He said it would also trigger an alarm on the increasing global threat to the sustainability of the environment especially as it affects Sustainable Development Goals 11, 12, 14 and 15 through the use of plastics.

“Though the task ahead in mitigating the generation of plastic wastes in the state may seem to be herculean.

“It is believed that if we continue to work together, we will achieve this target of protecting the environment which is our common heritage,” he said.

According to him, Lagos, being a megacity with an approximated population of 22 million inhabitants, generates about 870,000 tonnes of plastic wastes annually which constitute about 15 per cent of the total waste generated in the state.

He noted that the unwavering commitment of his administration has led to the launching of several initiatives such as policy initiation, environmental education and advocacy among many others, to mitigate the challenge of plastic waste management.

“let me reiterate that with our collective efforts and commitment, we can achieve the transformational impact that we need in our environment for progression into a safe, cleaner and healthy sustainable environment where everyone can flourish,”he said.

Earlier, the chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Mr Wasiu Adesina, said there is a need to protect the environment and create sensitisation for the community about the importance of the diverse pollution on plastic disposals.

Adesina, represented by Mr Kazeem Sowemimo, Supervisor for environment, said plastic pollution has not only  become a menace to the society but also an eye-sore to the environment.

According to him, climate change over the years with land surge cannot control much plastics pollutions but can be reduced to prevent airborne disease actions which can affect human health.

“We are here today to educate ourselves on how to dispose our used plastics which is becoming an environmental pollution in our refuse bins, canals, gulleys and blockage to water passage ways. 

“It is important to ensure the continuation of our campaign till the message gets every nook and cranny of our society,” he said. 

The theme for this year commemoration is entitled “Solutions to Plastic Pollution”