LASEPA, UNIDO, partners the Japanese government on cholera awareness
… Move Campaign to Ojo LG
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Government of Japan, has continued its statewide Cholera Prevention Campaign with another round of public awareness and capacity-building engagement held in Ojo Local Government Area of the State.
The exercise, conducted under Project 240236 titled “Emergency Capacity Building of the Informal Food and Water Vendors and Waste Workers in Flood-Affected Lagos to Combat Cholera Outbreaks,” is aimed at empowering informal food handlers, water vendors, and waste workers with the right knowledge and preventive practices to curb the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases in Lagos State.
The Sensitisation Campaign, which took place at Gastro Restaurant and Lounge, LASU–Iyana Iba Road, Ojo, brought together stakeholders across the informal sector, including food and water vendors, waste workers, community members, and students.
Delivering the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Omobolaji Tajudeen Gaji, explained that cholera remains a preventable water and food-borne disease caused by poor hygiene and environmental contamination.
Dr. Gaji, who was represented by the Director, Sanitation Services, Dr. Sanuth Hassan noted that Lagos, being a coastal State, is highly vulnerable to outbreaks if sanitation practices are neglected. He emphasised that residents must ensure that all drinking water is properly treated or boiled, and that fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed before consumption.
He added that the State government is embarking on transforming existing dumpsites into material recovery centres as part of efforts to improve waste management, reduce flooding, and minimize environmental pollution.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi stated that the Agency’s role in the ongoing cholera prevention project includes investigating sources of water contamination, creating public awareness, and building community capacity to manage waste effectively and prevent pollution.
Dr, Ajayi, who was represented by the Director, Engineering Services, LASEPA, Engr. Taiwo Olumuyiwa disclosed that the Agency routinely conducts water quality assessments across the State to monitor contamination levels and take corrective actions.
He added that the current phase of the project involves sustained community sensitisation in different local government areas, followed by enforcement where necessary.
He explained that environmental health enforcement would be intensified to ensure compliance with sanitation regulations and prevent practices that could endanger public health.
In her address, UNIDO Project Assistant, Ms. Wunako Elam, commended the Lagos State Government for its proactive response to cholera prevention and expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan for funding the one-year project.
She described the initiative as a practical and timely intervention that not only addresses previous cholera outbreaks but also strengthens Lagos State’s preparedness for future occurrences by targeting high-risk groups such as informal food and water vendors and waste workers.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including representatives of UNIDO, Project, public servants, Environmental Health Officials from Ojo Local Government area, artisans and students, among others.
