By Esther Onyegbula

The Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government in Lagos State has commenced steps to reintroduce the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, with a strong warning that compliance will be strictly enforced across all wards.

Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Olalekan Olu Akindipe, disclosed this on Wednesday during an orientation programme organised for key stakeholders, describing the initiative as critical to public health, environmental safety and economic growth in the area.

Akindipe stressed that the sanitation exercise, in line with the directive of the Lagos State Government, is aimed at restoring cleanliness, preventing flooding and creating a more attractive environment for residents and investors.

“Environmental sanitation is not punishment. It is protection. It is our collective duty to safeguard our homes, our markets, our drainage, and our children’s future,” he said.
The chairman noted that beyond improving hygiene, a cleaner environment would significantly reduce disease outbreaks and enhance the overall wellbeing of residents.

He added that the council had already taken concrete steps to ensure the success of the exercise, including the procurement of a waste compactor to guarantee prompt evacuation of refuse.

“To show our readiness, this administration has already purchased a compactor to ensure timely evacuation of waste across all wards during and after the exercise. We are not here to talk alone. We are here to act,” Akindipe stated.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, transport unions, youth groups, and religious bodies to support the initiative and mobilise residents for full participation.

According to him, the exercise would be strictly monitored by environmental officers and task force teams deployed to enforce compliance and guide residents.
“Participation will be mandatory. Residents and business owners are expected to clean their surroundings, clear drainage channels and properly bag their waste for collection,” he said.

Akindipe also urged residents to partner with the local government by reporting illegal dumping and environmental violations for prompt action.
He maintained that achieving a cleaner Ajeromi Ifelodun would translate to economic benefits for the community.

“A healthy Ajeromi Ifelodun is a wealthy Ajeromi Ifelodun. When our environment is clean, our children are safe, our businesses thrive, and government can attract more projects to our community,” he added.

The council boss expressed optimism that with collective effort, the sanitation exercise would restore environmental order and improve living conditions across the densely populated local government area.