The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has appealed for the support of the government, multinationals, and wealthy Nigerians in the provision of clean air in Makoko community, Lagos State.

Atinuke Owolabi, the chairperson of the Lagos chapter of APWEN, said this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos to commemorate the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.

Ms Owolabi solicited assistance in building toilets in the slummy riverine community.

She said that the association was proud to join the global community in raising awareness about the importance of clean air for health, the environment, and overall well-being.

The APWEN chairman said that the 2024 theme, “Invest in Clean Air Now,” highlighted the urgent need to prioritise and fund initiatives that improve air quality and protect both plants and people.

According to her, in Lagos and across Nigeria, air quality is a pressing concern due to various factors, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and open waste burning.

She said that the pollutants degraded the environment and also posed severe health risks, especially in densely populated urban and peri-urban areas.

“Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that combines innovation, education, and community engagement,” she said.

Ms Owolabi said that APWEN was deeply committed to contributing to solutions that enhance both air and water quality.

She said that the Lagos branch of APWEN recently organised a sensitisation workshop on cholera and waterways clean up at Ilaje Ayetoro in Makoko, which is affected by inadequate sanitation facilities.

She said that the initiative was to educate residents on the importance of hygiene and environmental conservation while directly addressing the immediate needs of the community through the cleanup.

She said that the association discovered the critical need for improved sanitation facilities, as the community currently had no single toilets, which exposed them to consequences of open defecation, like cholera.

“As we celebrate the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, we are calling on the United Nations, international organisations, and government agencies to join us in providing sustainable solutions for the Ilaje Ayetoro Makoko community.

“We also call on private organisations and compassionate individuals to lend their support to the community.

“We urgently need support to build proper toilet facilities and implement waste management systems that will significantly improve both water and air quality, enhance public health, and contribute to a cleaner, safer environment for all.

“Investing in such infrastructure not only addresses immediate sanitation needs but also aligns with our broader commitment to reducing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable development.

“By working together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the Ilaje Ayetoro Makoko residents and set a precedent for other communities facing similar challenges,” she said.

Ms Owolabi said that the association would embark on training in October to equip young female engineers with the skills needed for solar energy systems as part of its commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions.

She said that the training would empower the next generation of female engineers and contribute to creating a greener, more sustainable energy landscape in Nigeria.

According to her, the planned programme aligned with the branch’s vision of promoting clean air and environmental sustainability, both locally and nationally.

“Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of power that reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thus cutting down on air pollution from traditional energy sources.

“We urge everyone to join us in this vital course; together, we can build a healthier, more sustainable future for Nigeria, where clean air and safe water are rights enjoyed by all.

“Let us come together to ensure blue skies and a brighter tomorrow for every Nigerian,” she said.

(NAN)