The Lagos State Government has solicited the support of residents in mitigating the challenge of plastic waste.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the call on Monday in a message to mark this year’s World Environment Day and the grand finale of a competition among Secondary School Students in Education District one and Six.
Lagosians reportedly generate about 870,000 tonnes of plastic wastes annually which constitute about 15 percent of the total waste generated in the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Nurudeen Shodeinde, wants Lagosians to embrace the “reuse, reduce and recycle” system.
He said “The State government through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and relevant Agencies such as Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has continued to demonstrate unwavering commitment towards mitigating the challenge of plastic waste management in the State”.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Omobolaji Gaji, who was represented by the Director of Environmental Education, Monsurat Banire noted that this year’s theme, “Solutions to Plastic Pollution” is a reminder that people’s actions on plastic pollution matters and that the various initiatives of the State Government would not be successful if residents are not ready to embrace change, adopt the slogan #BeatPlasticPollution and transition to a circular economy.
The Permanent Secretary also appealed to Lagos residents to pay serious attention to the dangers of plastic pollution and adopt proactive measures by forming new habits, including Saying No to use of too many plastic bags, encourage reusable plastics or biodegradable materials which are cost effective, eco-friendly and devoid of environmental nuisance.
Reporting by Omolara Omosanya; Editing by Daniel Adejo and Tony Okerafor