By Michael Adesanya
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) have launched a joint media campaign to eradicate open defecation along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The initiative, which targets the stretch of the highway from OPIC Plaza to Otedola Bridge, aims to prevent the spread of cholera and other communicable diseases while restoring the aesthetic appeal of the corridor.
The expressway is not only a key entry to the region but also serves as the gateway to Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub, often referred to as the nation’s Centre of Excellence and Africa’s fourth-largest economy.
Leading the campaign, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, emphasised the critical importance of raising public awareness about the health hazards associated with open defecation.
“Cholera and other waterborne diseases pose significant risks, particularly during the rainy season when water contamination becomes more likely,” Dr. Ajayi stated.
To ensure the long-term success of the initiative, Dr. Ajayi revealed plans to involve key stakeholders in monitoring and enforcing the ban on open defecation.
“We will collaborate with local governments, Environmental Health Officers, market women, and law enforcement agencies to police this environment and report any violations for legal action,” he explained.
The special adviser to the Ogun state governor on environmental protection matters, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, lauded LASEPA’s leadership in this crucial campaign.
He stressed the importance of interstate collaboration in tackling environmental challenges.
“This initiative sets a strong precedent for how we can work together to address common issues,” Dr. Kehinde remarked.
Dr. Kehinde further disclosed that Ogun State is partnering with international organizations to construct more public toilets across the state, moving toward the complete eradication of open defecation.
