The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) on Saturday joined other environmentalists to clean up the Oniru beach in commemoration of the global recycling day and called for clean environmental practices among the people and adoption of recycling for a more sustainable ecosystem and protection of our planet.
This call was made on Saturday by the General Manager of the agency, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, during the clean -up exercise at Oniru Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event which was themed “” Recycling Fraternity” was put together by the duo of foundation and HRM Abisogun 11 foundation (HAIIF) in collaboration with Sterling One Foundation to mark the year 2022 Global Recycling Day.
Fasawe canvased for improved sanitary attitude and the need for citizens involvement in achieving environmental sustainability as polluted society negatively affects the socio-economic structure of the entire residents.
She noted further that the collaboration between the State Government and other stakeholders is in recognition of the crucial need for a change in the mind-set of the people towards proper waste disposal etiquette, recycling and adoption of a circular economy system that is beneficial to businesses, society and the environment.
“Plastic pollution has become a global concern, we cannot undermine the value use of plastics in our daily needs, our societies have become highly dependent on single-use or disposable plastic, while ignoring its severe environmental consequences. Our planet is drowning in plastic litter and microplastics, as we make our drainages, beaches and oceans their final destinations.
It is time we pay attention, so, as we clean our surroundings every day, we should also clean the waterways and make them habitable for sea animals and prevent food poison as a result of sea contamination. It is our collective responsibility to salvage our environment from all forms of degradation and makes it a better place for all” she expressed.
According to her, it’s disturbing to know that part of the waste generated in the State still end up on the streets and drainage channels causing flooding and other human made disasters capable of reducing the quality of life and negatively impact the economy. Disclosing that her agency took a bold step to savage the environment by banning single use plastics within its premise and providing alternative multiple use product that is not only friendly but also cost effective.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resource (office of the Environmental Services) Dr Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji pointed out that the Ministry has put in motion, effort to tackle the dire issues of environmental pollution in the state, particularly, in relation to plastic pollution and further encouraged the separation of recyclable materials from the general waste at the point of generation.
“We recognize the urgent need to formulate various environmentally friendly policies as the crusade for a better, safer and cleaner environment. Other corporate and non-governmental institutions are also enjoined to emulate the kind gesture of the organizers by supporting us in our quest to achieve an environmentally sustainable society, so the narrative can change in a not-too-distant future. Gaji averred.
Speaking at his palace, the Oniru of Iru kingdom, Oba Gbolahan Lawal commended LASEPA for being a progressive partner in its bid to rid the state off pollutions. According to him, the clean-up campaign was design to raise awareness on the aftermath of abusing and neglecting the environment, as well as helping communities to live a fulfilling life.
He called for a more robust environmental laws and effective enforcement to serve as deterrent to fragrant polluters. “The agency should reach out to shopping malls/ supermarket to drive home its zero-tolerance campaign on plastic pollutions, especially to promote the habit of using recyclable multiple use shopping bags in replacement of the single use / throwaway plastics carrier bags. This can be achieved through means of token gratification or incentive to shoppers with reusable bags and imposition of extra tax on single use nylons to discourage its use”. The kabiyesi said
The King recognized the relentless effort of the agency as a regulatory body in executing several environmentally friendly initiatives like, Tree Planting, Recycling and Green Energy program. Advocating further, for attitudinal change towards the environment, Oba Lawal revealed that he has planted over 1000 trees as his personal contribution to the environmental sustainability and charged Lagosians to take ownership of their environment and make regular cleaning exercise a lifestyle for an improved good living.
The event had in attendance, the commissioner for tourism, art & culture, Pharm. Uzamot Akinbile-Yusuf, DG LAWMA, Ibrahim Odumboni and GM LASWA, Damilola Emmanuel amongst others
Bola Ajao
Head, Public Affairs Unit
LASEPA
19/03/2022