… Partners Others To Clean Up Oniru Beach
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 andacceptance of recycling process that is beneficial to thesustainability of the ecosystem and also help protect 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 Sterling Bank in collaboration with of foundation and HRM Abisogun 11 foundation (HAIIF) 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 and the society.
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, towardsproper waste disposal etiquette, recycling process and embracement of a circular economy system that is beneficial to businesses, society and the environment.
“Plastic pollution has become a global concern, which must be collectively tackled. We cannot undermine the value use of plastics in our daily needs, our societies have become highly dependent on single-use or disposable plastic, with total ignorance to 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 surroundingsevery day, we should also clean the waterways and make them habitable for sea animals and prevent food poison as a result of contamination. It is our collective responsibility to salvage our environment from all forms of degradation and makes it a better place for all, so that generations unborn can be proud us” she expressed.
According to her, its disturbing to know that despitegovernment efforts, 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 measures taken by her agency, to include total banning of single use plastics within its premise and provision of 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 also encouraged the separation of recyclable materials from the general waste at the point of generation in other to support the waste to wealth policy of the government.
“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 of this program by supporting us in our quest to achieve an environmentally sustainable society, in other to change the narrative in a not-too-distant future. Gaji averred.
Speaking at his palace, when the LASEPA team paid him a courtesy visit after the beach cleaning, the Oniru of Iru kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Gbolahan Abudul -Wasiu Lawal commended the agency for being a progressive partner in the fight against 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 also noted that the planet in the last decade has recorded environmental degradation of monumental proportions.
According to him, there is an urgent need for a more robust environmental laws and effective enforcement to serve as deterrent to recalcitrant polluters. ” The agency should reach out to shopping malls/ supermarket to drive home its zero-tolerance campaign on plastic pollutions, to promote the habit of using recyclable multiple use shopping bags in replacement of the throwaway plastics carrier bags. This can be achieved throughmeans of giveaway token/ gratification or incentive to environment friendly shoppers with reusable bags and imposition of extra tax on single use nylons to discourage noncompliance uses. The kabiesi expressed
The King recognized the relentless effort of the agency as a regulatory body in executing several environmentally friendly initiatives and also advocated for positive attitudinal change towards the environment. He revealed that the palace has planted over 1000 trees to contribute 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 Emmanuelamongst others.
