Yemisi Olusina
Lagos residents in coastal communities have been urged to abstain from all forms of environmental pollution and encroachments in the state.
This is aimed at creating awareness on the importance of preserving coastal communities and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, made this known at an advocacy meeting held at Makanjuola Hall, Lagos State University (LASU).
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Dr. Gaji who was represented by the Director, Sanitation Services, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth explained that Coastal communities provided a great advantage to humanity based on its contribution to the food supply chain.
He noted that coastal regions are important features in the landscape that provide numerous beneficial services for human, fish and wildlife adding that,
some of these services and functions include protecting and improving water quality, providing food and maintaining surface water flow during dry periods.
He said the anthropogenic activities of residents in coastal communities in the State following constant pollution and encroachment in various forms threatens the ecosystems.
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He highlighted the activities to include indiscriminate disposal of industrial and Human waste dumped on wetlands and River banks stating that everyone must be encouraged to commit to proactively improve coastal communities.
Dr Gaji said communities in Ojo, Ikorodu, Ibeju Lekki, Badagry, Apapa were at great risks and sensitive to these prevailing environmental issues adding that danger looms if human attitude to the environment is not appropriately checked.
“We all need to take a recourse in ensuring compliance to effective and efficient waste management, waste water storage and disposal, sanitary tank construction and management” he said.
He observed that imbibing the required environmentally appropriate attitude is a task for everyone irrespective of status or placement in the society.
The Guest lecturer, Director Environmental Assessment in the Office of Environmental Services, Dr Olasunkanmi Sojinu said the Earth is the only planet that supports human existence hence the need to ensure that it is not destroyed.
Dr. Sojinu identified tree felling, open defecation, bush burning, indiscriminate refuse disposal as a few of human activities that are affecting the earth.
He advised residents to desist from such activities to ensure a sustainable environment.
