… Partners Environmentalists to CleanUp Oniru Beach
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has joined other environmentalists to clean up the Oniru Beach in commemoration of World Recycling Day, just as it called for clean practices among the people and the adoption of recycling for a more sustainable ecosystem as well as protection of the planet.
The General Manager – LASEPA, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, made the call at the cleanup exercise at Oniru Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos, organised by HRM Abisogun II Foundation (HAIIF) and Sterling One Foundation as part of activities to mark the year 2022 Global Recycling Day with the theme: “Recycling Fraternity”.
Fasawe canvased for improved sanitary attitude and the need for citizens’ involvement in achieving environmental sustainability as a polluted society negatively affects the socio-economic structure of the entire residents.
She noted that the collaboration between the State Government and other stakeholders is in recognition of the crucial need for a change in the mindset 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.
According to her, it is quite disturbing to know that part of the waste generated in the State still ends up on the streets and drainage channels, causing flooding and other man-made disasters capable of reducing the quality of life and negatively impacting the economy.
Fasawe revealed that LASEPA took a bold step to salvage the environment by banning single-use plastics within its premises and providing an alternative multiple-use product that is not only environment-friendly but also cost-effective.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (Office of Environmental Services), Dr. Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji, pointed out that the Ministry has put in motion policies to tackle the issues of environmental pollution, particularly in relation to plastic waste.
While encouraging the separation of recyclable materials from general waste at source, Gaji implored individuals, corporate and non-governmental institutions to emulate the kind gesture of the organisers of the Oniru Beach cleanup exercise by supporting the State government in its quest to achieve an environmentally sustainable society.
Speaking at his palace, the Oniru of Iru kingdom, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, commended LASEPA for being a progressive partner in ridding the State of pollution, noting that the clean-up campaign was designed to raise awareness on the aftermath of abusing and neglecting the environment, as well as helping communities to live a healthy life.
He called for more robust environmental laws and effective enforcement to serve as a deterrent to fragrant polluters, saying: “LASEPA should reach out to shopping malls/supermarkets to drive home its zero-tolerance campaign on plastic pollution, especially to promote the habit of using recyclable multiple-use shopping bags in replacement of the single-use plastics bags.
“This can be achieved through the provision of token gratification or incentive to shoppers with reusable bags and imposition of extra tax on single-use nylons to discourage use”, HRM said.
Oba Lawal also disclosed that he has planted over 1000 trees as his personal contribution to environmental sustainability and charged Lagosians to take ownership of their environment and make regular cleaning exercises a lifestyle for improved living.
The event had in attendance, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf; Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni and General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel amongst others.
