Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen | Stone Reporter News
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Government of Japan, has intensified its cholera prevention efforts with a public awareness and capacity-building program held in Ojo Local Government Area. The initiative is part of Project 240236, titled “Emergency Capacity Building of the Informal Food and Water Vendors and Waste Workers in Flood-Affected Lagos to Combat Cholera Outbreaks.”
The campaign, hosted at Gastro Restaurant and Lounge, LASU–Iyana Iba Road, engaged informal food handlers, water vendors, waste workers, students, and community members. Its primary aim is to equip these high-risk groups with knowledge and practices to reduce the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases across the State.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Omobolaji Tajudeen Gaji, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, noted that cholera is a preventable disease caused by poor hygiene and contaminated water. Represented by Dr. Sanuth Hassan, Director of Sanitation Services, he stressed the importance of treating drinking water and properly washing fruits and vegetables before consumption.
Dr. Gaji also highlighted government efforts to transform existing dumpsites into material recovery centres to improve waste management, reduce flooding, and curb environmental pollution.
Speaking on the role of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, the Agency’s General Manager, stated that LASEPA monitors water quality, investigates sources of contamination, builds community capacity, and creates public awareness. Represented by Engr. Taiwo Olumuyiwa, Director of Engineering Services, he emphasized that environmental health enforcement would be intensified to ensure compliance with sanitation regulations.
UNIDO Project Assistant, Ms. Wunako Elam, commended the Lagos State Government for its proactive response and thanked the Government of Japan for funding the one-year project. She described the initiative as a timely intervention that strengthens Lagos State’s preparedness against future cholera outbreaks.
The event drew participation from UNIDO representatives, public servants, Environmental Health Officials from Ojo LGA, artisans, and students, reflecting a broad-based community effort toward improving sanitation and public health in the State.
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