The Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area (LGA) has sensitised the residents in the community to the dangers of plastic pollution and appealed to them to ensure a environment clean.
The Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, Mr Oriyomi Hamzat, said this at the sensitisation meeting to commemorate the World Environment Day (WED) on Wednesday in Lagos.
Hamzat represented at the event by the Vice Chairman, Mrs Oluwatosin Akerele, urged them to keep their environment clean.
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“Our theme this year is: “Ending Plastic Pollution.” Plastic pollution is a serious problem that affects us every day. It clogs our drains, leads to flooding, and harms our neighbourhoods.
“Every bit of plastic waste strains our drainage systems and uses resources that could go into our schools, hospitals, and other important services.
“This waste not only damages our
surroundings but also affects our health and disrupts the balance of our natural environment,” he said.
He enjoined everyone to play a part in environmental recovery by ensuring proper disposal of waste.
“Today, as we discuss how to stop plastic pollution, let us all remember that each one of us plays a part.
“The choices we make today will shape the world our children will inherit tomorrow.
“To our market women, please keep your stalls and surroundings clean by properly disposing your waste,” he said.
He also urged artisans to use eco-friendly materials in their work stations.
“To all our community members, take pride in your environment and help by reporting cases of careless waste dumping.
“Let’s work together to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling. It is time to say no to single-use plastics that harm our land and water.
“The Ifako-Ijaye LG, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, is here to support you, but your active participation is very essential.
“Let us join hands and make a promise to end plastic pollution. Together, we can create a cleaner environment for ourselves and for generations to come,” he said.
The Commissioner For Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, in his keynote address, said WED was put in place by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 and commemorated annually on June 7.
Wahab was represented at the event by Mr Afolabi Adefemi, the General Manager, Lagos State Waste Water Management.
“Over the years, it has evolved into one of the most significant global platforms for the promotion of environmental sustainability.
“Today serves to highlight the various environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
“This year’s celebration was hosted by the Republic of Korea under the theme: ‘ENDING PLASTIC POLLUTION’, the focus centres on combating plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution.”
“This year’s theme draws urgent attention to an alarming global threat of plastic pollution and its impact on the ecosystem,” he said.
He said plastic was primarily derived from fossil fuels such as crude oil and natural gas and present serious threats to our planet.
“Annually, the world produces more than 430 million tonnes of plastic, which is quite alarming, especially considering that a significant portion ends as waste.
“This waste clogs our waterways, litters our streets and seeps into our ocean, two thirds of which are short-lived products that soon become waste, are, often, working their way into the human food chain.
“Hence, the need to unite to break our addiction to plastics. We must all champion zero waste and build a truly circular economy by switching from single use of plastic to reusable and biodegradable packaging,” he said.
Wahab noted that environmental challenges faced in Lagos State was strongly driven by population explosion.
“I wish to also highlight the unique environmental challenges faced in Lagos State, which is strongly driven by population explosion, largely due to the influx of people from neighbouring states and countries.
“The surge in population has led to a significant rise in commercial and industrial activities, placing immense pressure on our already stretched environmental resources,” he said.
Wahab said the government remained fully committed with its ministries in line with its statutory responsibilities, leaving no stone unturned in addressing these challenges.
“We are addressing these challenges through the activities of some of our agencies like the Lagos Waste Management Authority and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, among many others.
“To demonstrate this unwavering commitment of the present administration in this direction, the ministry has placed a ban on the use of styrofoam packages and plastic bags of less than 40 micrometres.
“I want to urge us all to heed this clarion call by adopting a renewed sense of purpose, protect our fragile environment, and ensure a sustainable environment for generation unborn through our actions,” he said.