By Kazeem Akande

Lagos, April 25, 2026 (NAN) Residents of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) turned out in large numbers on Saturday for the monthly environmental sanitation, following a mobilisation drive by the council Chairman, Dr Lukman Agbaje.

Agbaje, who monitored the exercise, commended the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for reintroducing the monthly sanitation programme, describing it as a step in the right direction.

“Let us first appreciate Gov. Sanwo-Olu for reintroducing environmental sanitation in Lagos State. It is a commendable initiative,” he said.

The chairman expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance, noting that many residents were actively cleaning their surroundings.

“I am impressed with what we have seen so far. People are complying, and many are carrying out sanitation within their compounds,” he said.

He urged residents to sustain the efforts by maintaining clean environment and avoiding indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

“We appeal to residents not to dump waste in gutters and drainage channels but to patronise approved waste managers in their communities,” Agbaje added.

He said the council had earlier embarked on extensive public enlightenment campaigns, including stakeholders’ meetings with artisans, traders, community leaders and transport unions, to sensitise residents on the importance of sanitation.

According to him, environmental sanitation holds every last Saturday of the month between 6.30 a.m and 8.30 a.m in the LCDA.

Also speaking, the Head of Environmental Services Department, Mrs Rachel Adebisi, said the council had intensified efforts to promote hygiene and sanitation through stakeholder engagement and enforcement.

“This exercise has been successful. We have compactors moving around to clear refuse, and our task force is on the ground to arrest offenders who dump waste indiscriminately,” she said.

Adebisi noted visible improvements across the area, particularly in cleared road medians, adding that sanitation remained a continuous process supported by regular inspection and enforcement.

A resident, Mr Sunday Odion, commended the chairman for leading by example and encouraging community participation.

“I am happy to see the chairman actively involved. It is impressive and will bring positive change to the community,” he said.

In a related development, Mr Akinola Idowu, the Chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area, also led an inspection tour to mark the resumption of the monthly sanitation exercise.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Idowu, accompanied by council executives, visited strategic locations to monitor compliance.

He described the exercise as “a renewed commitment to community hygiene,” stressing that sanitation is not just routine but a civic responsibility that defines the health of the people.

NAN observed residents cleaning their surroundings, while some men evacuated waste from gutters.

Idowu who described cleanliness as a collective duty, urged households and marketplaces to contribute to a healthier Orile-Agege.

Commending residents for their participation, he said: “I appreciate those who actively joined today’s exercise. We must sustain this spirit and ensure strict adherence in the future.”

The chairman pledged stronger enforcement, assuring that monitoring would be intensified across all wards.

He noted that compliance was non-negotiable in achieving lasting cleanliness.

Idowu also highlighted gaps in waste disposal and promised improved strategies.

“We are listening to residents and adjusting our approach for better results,” he said.

He stressed that sanitation goes beyond sweeping streets, describing it as discipline, responsibility, and lifestyle.

Idowu also reminded the residents of their role in maintaining hygienic marketplaces with council executives noting that economic growth thrives in clean environments.

“This is not a one-off. We are building a sustainable culture of cleanliness that will benefit generations,” he added. (NAN)