Lagos Govt. Advises Residents On Strict Observance Of Hygiene, Sanitation

Again, Lagos State government, yesterday, tasked residents on total abhorrence of open defecation and to embrace the use of toilets at all times, saying strict observance of hygiene and sanitation was one of the launch pads to increased lifespan in any society.

Speaking during the inauguration of “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign” in Somolu Local Council, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Omobolaji Gaji, charged residents to usher in a new era of cleanliness and improved sanitation in Somolu Local Council and its environs.

Gaji, represented by a Director in the Sanitation Department of the Ministry, Mrs Omoyeni Balogun, urged residents to rally behind the campaign with unwavering determination and enthusiasm. “Let us work together to ensure that every citizen can access a cleaner and safer toilet,” Balogun said.

He added that the campaign targets Year 2025 to achieve the goal of making Nigeria open defecation free by promoting the construction and use of toilets at public places, as well as ensuring every individual has access to clean and safe sanitation facilities.

Gaji stressed that access to proper sanitation facilities is a fundamental human right and a crucial aspect of any developed society, adding that it is disheartening to know that some citizens still lack access to basic sanitation services and this can have adverse effects on the environment and socio-economic development in the society.

He emphasised that the menace of open defecation has been a significant challenge in the country, saying the campaign was not just a call for change, but also a call for collective action from all citizens to work assiduously to achieve a cleaner and healthier Lagos.

He explained that the campaign starts with raising awareness about the importance of using toilets and proper sanitation practices in all communities;governments at all levels prioritising and investing in sanitation infrastructure and businesses and the private sector joining hands with the government to support this noble cause.

In his address, Chairman, Somolu Local Council, Abdul Hamed Salawu, expressed his appreciation to the state government for bringing such initiative to the local council.

Represented by the Supervisor for Environment, Olumide Akinola, he said the lack of sanitation and hygiene are factors that cause various diseases that affect human existence. He pledged the council’s readiness to support the campaign to put a stop to the barbaric act that damages the environment.