In a bid to promote environmental hygiene and sustainable waste practices, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Advocacy Team on Thursday carried out a community sensitization exercise in Somolu Local Government Area, enlightening residents and shop-owners on the significance of proper waste management.
The campaign, which kicked off from the bustling streets of Oguntolu and extended through popular commercial areas like Bajulaiye and Market Street, saw members of the advocacy team engaging with the community in house-to-house outreach. They emphasized the dangers of indiscriminate dumping of refuse, the benefits of sorting waste at the source, and the need to patronize PSP (Private Sector Participant) operators.
Speaking during the sensitization, the LAWMA Advocacy Team led by Mr. Oye Owolabi, stressed the importance of collective responsibility in keeping Lagos clean. He noted that proper waste management is not only crucial for public health but also for environmental sustainability and flood prevention.
“Our mission here in Somolu today is to educate the people about their role in maintaining a cleaner and healthier Lagos. Waste management is a shared duty, and we’re reminding shop owners and residents that their environment is their responsibility,” Oye said.
He also warned against the act of dumping waste on median strips, drains, or unauthorised spots, stressing that such actions could attract sanctions as stipulated by the state’s environmental laws.
The outreach received a warm reception from many traders and residents who expressed gratitude for the enlightenment. Some acknowledged gaps in their waste disposal habits and pledged to adhere to proper disposal practices henceforth.
Mrs. Funke Alabi, a shop owner in Bajulaiye, commended the initiative, saying, “This visit is timely. Many of us don’t really understand how our actions affect the environment. I’ve learnt today that I need to sort my waste and keep it in covered bins for PSP pickup.”
In support of the campaign, the Somolu Local Government authorities pledged to work closely with LAWMA in ensuring the full compliance of residents with waste management protocols. According to Mr. Akin Oladele, an Environmental Officer with the council, the sensitization effort complements the local government’s regular environmental sanitation drives.
He added, “We appreciate LAWMA for this grassroots engagement. It’s important that our people receive continuous education on environmental matters. We are ready to back this initiative with enforcement where necessary.”
The LAWMA team also distributed informative flyers and demonstrated proper waste bagging methods, while encouraging landlords, tenants, and market associations to register with PSP operators and maintain routine waste evacuation.
The campaign is part of LAWMA’s larger vision of achieving a cleaner and healthier Lagos, aligning with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, particularly in the area of health and environment.
As the advocacy tour continues across various local governments, LAWMA reiterated its call for community ownership of public hygiene, reminding Lagosians that a cleaner city begins with individual actions.
“We are determined to keep Lagos clean,” Oyeniyi concluded. “But we need the people to do their part. Together, we can make our environment safer and more livable.”
