.As LAGESC reads riot act against environmental infractions

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has deployed 2,150 officers and men to ensure adequate security and curb any form of untoward attempt by unscrupulous elements to vandalize critical national assets and infrastructure in the State.

Meanwhile, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps, LAGESC, popularly known as KAI has urged Lagos residents to embrace environmentalally-responsible acts via proper waste disposal, engaging in all-inclusive environmental sanitation during and after the festive period.

On the security of lives and property, Lagos State Commandant, NSCDC, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed that it was important to ensure speedy deployment of security personnel before, during and after the celebration because of the enormous importance attached to it as the period will also witness movements of large population of citizens, travellers and visitors from various states and country into Lagos.

He further stated that the operational strategies put in place in the command will also help to rid the state of criminals and eradicate the nefarious activities of vandals and other criminal elements that could be inimical to the economic growth and development of the state during and after the celebration.

“The officers and men across all formations of the command have been charged to bring the right and appropriate impetus on board, to protect all strategic locations, points, facilities, right of ways, oil pipeline installations, religious and worship centres, parks and gardens and all critical national assets and infrastructure in the state.

However, the commandant, directed officers and men to be on red alert as they discharge their duties strictly.

Keshinro, also further charged officers to remain professional, competent and respect the rights and privileges of the civil populace while discharging their duties, before, during and after the celebrations.

While congratulating the Muslim faithful, in the state, Keshinro, urged them to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, prayer, sobriety, compassion and faith as symbolized, through the life of Prophet Ibrahim, (May Peace be upon Him).

He also implored them to also seize the season, to pray for the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.

.LAGESC advocates proper waste disposal

The Corps Marshal of LAGESC, Major Olaniyi Cole (Retd), in a statement said, “the Sallah holidays are very significant to the Muslim world-wide, being that the sacrificial act of slaughtering rams commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah thousands of years ago.

“While Lagos residents and particularly Muslim faithful celebrate in Lagos, we keep advocating for the promotion of proper waste disposal, patronage of Private Sector Participant, PSP, operators and adoption of environmentally-appealing choices.”

Cole also revealed that operatives have been directed to maintain strict monitoring of the environmental infractions, effect arrests of environmental offenders and sensitize relevant stakeholders on the need for increased voluntary compliance to the State’s environmental laws.

The retired Major, also read the riot act to Lagos residents to desist from displaying wares for sale on setbacks, lay-bys, kerbs, road verges, medians, gutter slabs, citing how street trading impedes vehicular and pedestrian movement on our roads.

He finally highlighted the need for transiting Lagos commuters to remain security-conscious by accessing strategically-erected pedestrian bridges instead of crossing highways which could lead to fatal ‘hit and run’ cases by over speeding motorists.