In a bid to prevent the spread of cholera and other communicable diseases, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) have launched a joint media campaign to end open defecation along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Gatekeepers News reports that the initiative, according to Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, aims to restore the “aesthetic appeal of the vital corridor” and will target the median from OPIC Plaza to Otedola Bridge. Relevant stakeholders have been engaged to monitor violations in the area.
Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, emphasised the importance of educating the public about the severe health hazards of open defecation, particularly during the rainy season.
“We will work with local governments, Environmental Health Officers, market women, and law enforcement agencies to police this environment and report any infractions for legal action,” he said.
Oluwadare Kehinde, General Manager of OGEPA, praised LASEPA’s initiative, highlighting the significance of cross-state cooperation in addressing environmental issues.
“This initiative sets a strong precedent for how we can work together to tackle common issues,” Kehinde said. Additionally, Ogun State is partnering with global companies to build more public restrooms and eradicate open defecation.