- Safiu Kehinde
Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) have made move towards stopping open defecation along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
This was made known in a statement issued by Lagos Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via his official X handle.
As contained in the statement, both agencies have launched a joint media campaign to ban open defecation along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, particularly targeting the median from OPIC Plaza to Otedola Bridge.
The said axis are situated at Berger area where Lagos shared interstate boundary.
Wahab stressed that the campaign, led by LASEPA’s General Manager, Babatunde Ajayi, was aimed at enhancing public health and environmental sustainability necessary for the prevention of communicable diseases such as cholera.
“This initiative aims to enhance public health and environmental sustainability by preventing the spread of cholera and other communicable diseases while restoring the aesthetic appeal of this vital corridor, known as a gateway to Lagos—often referred to as the nation’s Centre of Excellence and Africa’s fourth-largest economy.
“The campaign was led by Dr. Babatunde Ajayi @thetundeajayi , the General Manager of LASEPA, who emphasized the importance of raising awareness among residents about the health risks associated with open defecation.” Wahab wrote.
He disclosed further the LASEPA boss’ plan to work with local governments, Environmental Health Officers, market women, and law enforcement agencies in the fight against open defecation.
Commending the initiative is Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Environmental Protection Matters, Oluwadare Kehinde, who emphasized on the necessity of inter-state collaboration in tackling environmental challenges.
“This initiative sets a strong precedent for how we can work together to tackle common issues.” He said.