The Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area (LGA), Mr Usman Hamzat, on Saturday urged residents to embrace the monthly environmental sanitation exercise for a cleaner and more livable environment.

He made the call while participating in and conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the exercise in Lagos.

The exercise took place from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. across the 57 local government areas and local council development areas in the state.

The Lagos State Government, in March, announced the resumption of the exercise, nearly a decade after its suspension.

Mr Hamzat said the two-hour period was dedicated to cleaning the environment and ensuring proper waste disposal across the state.

The chairman said compliance with the monthly environmental sanitation exercise was non-negotiable in achieving lasting cleanliness.

He stressed that sanitation went beyond sweeping streets.

According to him, sanitation is about discipline, responsibility and lifestyle.

Mr Hamzat reminded residents of their role in maintaining hygienic marketplaces.

He noted that economic growth thrived in clean environments.

“This is a reminder that sanitation is everyone’s responsibility.

“We are encouraging residents to clean their surroundings, dispose of waste properly and support efforts to keep our environment clean and safe.

“This exercise is not a one-off. We are building a sustainable culture of cleanliness that will benefit generations,” he said.

Mr Hamzat also highlighted gaps in waste disposal and promised improved strategies.

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

The chairman said his administration would continue to provide the necessary support and infrastructure to ensure environmental standards were maintained beyond the sanitation period.

Also, the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Olu Opajobi, said Community Development Associations (CDAs) and the CDC were committed to ensuring effective participation across the council.

Mr Opajobi urged residents to take responsibility for cleanliness within their homes and surroundings.

He expressed optimism that sustained community efforts would position the council as a model of environmental cleanliness in the state. 

(NAN)