Sanitation Drive Returns in Lagos as Eti-Osa East LCDA Leads by Example

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

The renewed monthly environmental sanitation initiative in Lagos State gained strong momentum on Saturday as the Executive Chairman of Eti-Osa East LCDA, Biliaminu Samson Agunbiade, led residents, management staff, and environmental stakeholders in a successful cleanup exercise at Ajah Under Bridge.

The exercise, which forms part of the reintroduced statewide environmental sanitation policy, witnessed a massive turnout, including members of the Lagos East Residents Stakeholders Association (LERSA), signaling growing public acceptance of the initiative aimed at restoring environmental discipline across communities.

Speaking during the exercise, Agunbiade described the sanitation campaign as a necessary step toward safeguarding public health and promoting sustainable living.

“Today’s turnout reflects our collective commitment to a cleaner and healthier Eti-Osa East. Environmental sanitation is not just a government policy; it is a civic duty that must be embraced by every resident,” he said.

The chairman emphasized that the revival of the sanitation exercise by the Lagos State Government was timely, noting that years of neglect had contributed to poor waste management practices and blocked drainage systems in many parts of the state.

“We must return to the culture of cleanliness that Lagos was once known for. This exercise is a reminder that development begins with a healthy environment. When residents take ownership of their surroundings, we reduce disease, flooding, and environmental hazards,” Agunbiade added.

Earlier, in a public notice issued on Friday, the council boss had urged residents to actively participate in the monthly sanitation exercise, held on the last Saturday of every month, under the theme: “A Responsive Resident, A Healthy Environment.” He called on households and business owners to maintain proper waste disposal habits and protect drainage channels from obstruction.

Also lending his voice, the Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Dauda Ishola Odunlami, commended residents for their cooperation and reiterated the council’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws where necessary.

“Compliance is key. While we appreciate voluntary participation, we will not hesitate to enforce regulations to ensure our communities remain clean and safe,” Odunlami stated.

The sanitation exercise at Ajah Under Bridge focused on clearing refuse, desilting drainage systems, and removing environmental pollutants that pose risks to human health. Residents and officials worked side by side, reinforcing the message that environmental responsibility is a shared obligation.

Policy Revival Draws Public Interest
The reintroduction of the monthly sanitation exercise by the Lagos State Government marks a return to a once-effective policy that had been suspended years ago. Analysts believe the revival is a strategic move to address increasing environmental challenges, including flooding and indiscriminate waste disposal.

The Merit Newspaper commends the Lagos State Government for reinstating the sanitation initiative, describing it as a proactive measure toward restoring environmental sanity in Africa’s most populous city. The newspaper notes that sustained public awareness, coupled with strict enforcement, will be crucial to the long-term success of the program.

As communities like Eti-Osa East LCDA continue to demonstrate leadership and grassroots mobilization, stakeholders say the initiative could once again become a defining feature of urban management in Lagos.

For residents, the message remains clear: cleanliness is not occasional—it is a continuous responsibility.