Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps ( LAGESC ) through its Enforcement Unit in the last six months have arrested and prosecuted five thousand offenders for various environmental offences by monitoring of Lagos environs on daily basis to make the State habitable for business to thrive.
This the Agency disclosed is to further reinforces their zeal to rid the State of those who breaks various environmental laws and regulations and to ensure a cleaner society that is free from diseases.
The Corps Marshall, Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps, Major Olatunbosun Olaniyi Cole ( RTD ) stated this while he addressed people from Lagos West Senatorial District during a Stakeholders and Engagement Meeting with a Theme “COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: A CATALYST FOR ENHANCING ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE” at the Multi – purpose Hall of the Multi Arena Complex of the Command Headquarters, Bolade Oshodi, Lagos.
LAGESC boss disclosed that the Agency along with its staff are ever ready and committed to exhaust all lawful options to ensure sanity in the environment which formed the basis for organising this periodic stakeholders engagement meetings over the years across the three Senatorial Districts of the State so as to seek the cooperation of relevant stakeholders and for them to actively participates during the meeting.
He said to ensure good visibility of the entire areas, the Sanitation Agency has commenced a 5 – week clearance of the railway corridors from Ikeja – Along to Iddo clearing environment infractions along the way which has led to the arrest of criminal elements who hid in shackles to perpetuate evil, this he said is in line with the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo – Olu THEME+ Agenda.
Cole appealed to all Lagosians and most especially the market men and women to dispose their refuse appropriately at the approved designated dump sites. He urged them not to engage in street trading, most especially on the median and illegal dumping of refuse in the drains to avoid severe flooding which might lead to out break of disease.
He also advised Lagosians to avoid crossing the highways and make use of the pedestrian bridges erected across the State so as not to be knocked down by on coming vehicles which might lead to critical body injuries or lost of lives.
In his own remarks, the Permanent Secretary Office of Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Omobolale Gaji who was represented by a Deputy Director in the Ministry, Mrs. Tope Ilori emphasised the critical role of Community Involvement in fostering Environmental compliance.
The Permanent Secretary praised the Corps for their regular enforcement advocacy and monitoring activities. He noted the leadership qualities of the Corps Marshall, Major Olatunbosun Olaniyi Cole RTD which has significantly contributed to the Corps success and recognition.
He further outlined some of the measures undertaken by the ministry to address environmental challenges including the removal of contravening buildings that blocks the waterways.
The Vice Chairman, Agbado Oke Odo Local Council Development Area ( L C D A ), Honourable Ajoke Obe during an interactive session commended the LAGESC Officials in her Council Area for the diligence they exibited in carrying out their official duties in a friendly and civilised manner which has endeared them to the mind of the people.
The Stakeholders’ and Community Engagement Meeting will on the 8th and 22nd of August 2024 moved to the remaining two Senatorial Districts of the State. ( Lagos East and Lagos Central ).
