The Lagos State Government has called on community leaders and residents to sustain public sensitisation on healthy living and environmental sanitation, stressing the need for regular hand washing, proper waste disposal, clean surroundings, sanitary toilet facilities and the protection of water sources.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, made the call during another session of the Advocacy and Community-Based Health and Sanitation Campaign Programme held at the Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area Secretariat.
Agbaje said the campaign, facilitated through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Rural Development, was designed to promote clean, healthy and safe communities across Lagos. He described environmental sanitation as a collective responsibility, urging community leaders to continuously educate residents and encourage them to take ownership of their immediate surroundings.
The Special Adviser also advised residents to move away from treating sanitation as an occasional exercise, noting that maintaining a healthy environment should be incorporated into their everyday lifestyle. He emphasised that sustained compliance with basic hygiene and sanitation practices would contribute to healthier and safer communities.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Babatunde Durojaiye, said the programme was aimed at promoting healthy living, improving sanitation practices and preventing the spread of diseases in communities.
Durojaiye said the initiative was also aligned with the development objectives of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu under the THEMES Plus Development Agenda, particularly its focus on healthier environments and grassroots development. He commended the governor for his commitment to improving the welfare of residents and advancing development at the community level.
The Executive Chairman of Itire-Ikate LCDA, Hon. Oluwafemi Odunayo, represented by the Secretary to the Council, Mr Afeez Lawal, appreciated the state government for bringing the advocacy programme to the community.
Lawal assured the government of the council’s readiness to collaborate with the Community Development Council and other stakeholders to promote cleanliness, proper sanitation and healthy living across the LCDA.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Itire-Ikate Community Development Council, Engr. Fatai Adelani, pledged the CDC’s continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders to promote improved environmental sanitation and healthy living among residents.
The event was attended by members of Community Development Associations, youth and women groups, as well as other community-based organisations. It also featured presentations by Sanitarian Soude Temilara of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and Mrs Laji Omowunmi of the Ministry of Health.
