The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to continuous public enlightenment and sensitisation on healthy living practices, including regular hand washing, proper waste disposal, maintaining clean surroundings, using sanitary toilet facilities and protecting water sources in communities across the State.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, stated this in his keynote address at another session of the Advocacy and Community-Based Health and Sanitation Campaign Programme held at the Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area Secretariat.
The programme was facilitated through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Rural Development.
According to Dr. Agbaje, the campaign is aimed at promoting clean, healthy and safe communities, stressing that maintaining a healthy environment is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all residents.
He therefore urged community leaders to sustain the sensitisation of residents and encourage them to take ownership of their immediate surroundings by adopting good sanitation practices and promoting healthy living.
Dr. Agbaje also advised residents not to regard environmental sanitation as an occasional exercise, but as an essential part of their everyday lifestyle.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Babatunde Durojaiye, explained that the programme was designed to promote healthy living, improve sanitation practices, prevent the spread of diseases and ensure that communities remain clean, safe and conducive for all residents.
Mr. Durojaiye noted that the programme is also in line with the development objectives of the administration of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, under the THEMES Plus Development Agenda, particularly its commitment to building and promoting healthier environments, with emphasis on communities at the grassroots.
He expressed profound appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his passion and unwavering commitment to grassroots development and the well-being of residents across the State.
The Executive Chairman of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, Hon. Oluwafemi Odunayo, represented by the Secretary to the Local Council, Mr. Afeez Lawal, appreciated the Lagos State Government for bringing the advocacy programme to the community.
He assured the State Government of the Council’s commitment to working with the Community Development Council and other stakeholders to promote cleanliness, proper sanitation and healthy living within the area.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Community Development Council, Itire-Ikate, Engr. Fatai Adelani, said the CDC would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to advocate for improved environmental sanitation and healthy living among residents.
The event was attended by members of Community Development Associations, youth groups, women groups and other community-based organisations. It also featured presentations by Sanitarian Soude Temilara of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and Mrs. Laji Omowunmi of the Ministry of Health.