Residents of Lagos on Saturday expressed satisfaction over the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, describing it as a step in the right direction.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that, if sustained, the exercise would significantly improve environmental health, safety, and the overall wellbeing of residents.

NAN reports that many residents in Lekki Phase One, as well as those in the Disu Aina-Efon community in Ilewe-Ejigbo, complied with the state government’s directive.

In Lekki, members of the Lekki Residents Association (LERA) endorsed the exercise, describing it as successful. The group led a major cleanup of a popular canal in the area.

Chairman of LERA, Mrs Shareefah Andu, described the return of the sanitation exercise as a welcome development, adding that the association would develop strategies to sustain it through phased implementation.

“If we do this every month for a full year, the entire environment will be transformed, and I am confident about that,” she said.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, commended residents of Lekki for their commitment to environmental cleanliness.

“What I have seen here today is commendable. We have a beautiful community with responsible citizens working with the government to keep the environment clean.

“Tourism thrives in a clean environment, and that is what we want in Lekki,” he said.

Meanwhile, at the Disu Aina-Efon community in Ilewe-Ejigbo, turnout for the sanitation exercise was equally impressive, with both young and elderly residents participating in the cleanup.

Chairman of Disu Aina-Efon Street, Mr Ikenna Abu, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation, noting that environmental cleanliness remains a top priority for the community.

“We are delighted with this development and hope to see more of it, as it is essential to our community development goals,” he said.

Other residents, including Mr Edem Ibanga and Mr Femi Adeosun, also praised the initiative, urging that it be sustained for the benefit of all.

NAN reports that many Lagos residents expressed optimism that the exercise would be maintained consistently for the greater public good.