The Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has called for a proper waste management ideology in the marketplaces towards ensuring cleaner Lagos and better living for residents.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu stated this at the Sabo Ultra-Modern Market Yaba, during a one-day Seminar on Market Sanitisation and Security for Market Leaders in Yaba Local Council Development Area.
The seminar organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development was designed to sensitise market leaders on preventive measures against any forms of hazards within the markets.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu explained that her office has continue to re-echoed the importance of hygiene, safety and security in the marketplaces while supporting several initiatives of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s strides towards promoting market sanitation and safety.
The First Lady mentioned that markets are the lifeblood of the economy that provide essential goods and services and it also pose environmental and health risks when people refuse to adhere to the guidelines of the State Government on proper waste management.
“Without proper waste management, we risk the possibility of stark consequences such as contamination food and water, air and water pollution, which do not only threaten the lives of consumers but also the lives of traders. Butt we can change the narrative by adhering strictly to the guidelines of the State Government, which interestingly would also help in converting these wastes into wealth when properly done.
“The Lagos of our dream and the 21St Century Economy we desire in Lagos would only be possible when we religiously adhere to the guidelines of proper waste disposal and recycling in our markets. As we discuss this issue, we must also not shy away from the importance of security of lives and properties in our markets, which requires our vigilance and our constant interactions with security operatives of the State, to ensure lives and properties in the markets are safe.”
“Lagos State is committed to transforming waste management in our markets through the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA); who have over the years devoted energy, time and resources in ensuring efficient waste collection and disposal systems. LAWMA has also continued to provide adequate waste bins and recycling facilities, alongside its’ efforts in ensuring regular market cleaning schedules.” she said.
She said the choice of the theme of the seminar, “Improving Waste Management and Public Health in Markets: A Recipe for Economic Growth and Prosperity in Lagos Central Senatorial District” is a pointer to how important Lagos State takes issues of public health as a critical component of the state’s economic growth, stressing that the seminar which hitherto held within the divisions of the state will now be extended to the Senatorial Zones.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu assured that the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu will construct more market infrastructure, organise training and advocacy seminars that would assist government’s resolve to enforce regulations and standards in the markets.
She however appealed to the residents to embrace the state government’s desire to build profitable markets that are hygienic and safe for all residents.
Result of Compliance
In his welcome address, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr Bolaji Kayode Robert said that consistent advocacy in the last five years have resulted in the decrease of cases of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
Robert who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa explained that it is important to continue to promote hygiene and advocating for better market-place sanitation.
“In the past four years, the First-Lady of Lagos State; Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has committed herself to ensure market stakeholders can learn ways to convert the waste in their markets to wealth, while iterating the importance of safety and hygiene in these markets.And there have been significant changes in the cleanliness adopted within and around markets as proper waste disposal methods are being adopted, regular sanitation and security, while safety measures are deepened.
“This is why Dr (Mrs) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has remained unshaken in her resolve to acquaint
market stakeholders with the information needed to help avert potential health risks that lurk around our markets, on the commodities, produce and currencies that we exchange for transactions in our markets, if proper hygiene practices are not observed.”
He emphasised that hygiene in markets space is a collective responsibility, while seeking residents support towards consolidating the efforts of the First Lady of Lagos State and to see various markets confirming with global best practices.
Efforts appreciated
In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Area, Mr. Kayode Omiyale appreciated the efforts of the First Lady towards creating quality ambience around the marketplaces and thereby preserving the environment.
He said the council has over the years prioritised the issue of hygiene, safety and security and is upscaling the market facilities to a world standard.
In their different presentations, facilitators took turns to sensitise market leaders on their role to ensure a secured and safety markets, management of information in Lagos Open Markets, Fire Prevention and Safety in markets among others.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to the primary school children in the Senatorial Zone of the state who were involved in Art competition at the seminar.
Oyenike Oyeniyi
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