… Vows to Tighten Advocacy on Anti-Smoking, Electronic Waste Management

Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), announced that the agency has reported a remarkable year in 2024, marked by significant enforcement activities, advocacy, industrial awareness, and engagement with various sectors. While addressing the press at the LASEPA office yesterday, January 7th, Dr. Ajayi stated that the agency’s efforts have yielded positive results, contributing to a better environment in Lagos.

Dr. Ajayi highlighted the agency’s response to the influx of people into Lagos, which put pressure on the environment. He noted that LASEPA swiftly managed the situation, curtailing pollution activities across the state. “The entire 2024 was filled with a lot of activity, ranging from our enforcement activity, to advocacy, to industrial awareness, to all of the engagement with different people across different sectors,” Dr. Ajayi explained.

As the agency enters 2025, it has set new standards, targets, and goals to make Lagos a more livable city. Dr. Ajayi emphasized that LASEPA will increase its capacity to receive public complaints through multiple portals, including telephone numbers, social media, WhatsApp, and email. This move aims to enhance public engagement and ensure that environmental concerns are addressed promptly.

In addition, LASEPA will intensify its advocacy for anti-smoking activities, ensuring that Lagos’ anti-smoking law becomes a culture. The agency will also continue its advocacy for waste oil management, promoting the proper handling and refining of used cooking oil. Furthermore, LASEPA will address noise pollution by ensuring that organizations and religious facilities take responsibility for their noise activities.

Dr. Ajayi also announced that the agency will tighten regulations around chemical handling, monitoring markets where chemicals are sold and setting up offices to strengthen enforcement. This move aims to prevent the misuse of chemicals and reduce environmental pollution.

Moreover, LASEPA will make its digital library available online, providing access to environmental data and research for the public, academia, and other stakeholders. This initiative will facilitate research and collaboration, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of environmental issues and the development of effective solutions.

Dr. Babatunde Ajayi also announced that the agency will intensify its advocacy on anti-smoking and electronic waste management in 2025. LASEPA will focus on businesses that allow smoking on their premises, excluding places of worship, as part of its efforts to enforce the anti-smoking law.

The General Manager explained that LASEPA has been reaching out to affected businesses, providing them with signages to indicate compliance with the anti-smoking law. He emphasized that enforcement of the law requires proper knowledge and policy, as well as awareness of the damage caused by smoking.

He noted that the agency’s efforts are aimed at protecting the environment and promoting public health. He stated that LASEPA will work closely with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and the Safety Commission, to ensure the success of its advocacy initiatives.

In addition to anti-smoking advocacy, LASEPA will also prioritize electronic waste management. The agency oversees recycling efforts, ensuring that electronic waste is properly collected, separated, and disposed of to prevent heavy metals from contaminating the environment.

Dr. Ajayi disclosed that LASEPA conducted research on the impact of heavy metals on food, air quality, and vegetation in the past year. He stated that the agency will build on this research, expanding its recycling efforts to include oil waste, cooking oil, engine oil, and water recycling.

The General Manager expressed optimism about the agency’s efforts, hoping that societies will partner with LASEPA to address environmental challenges. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in promoting environmental sustainability and protecting public health.

He emphasized the importance of enforcement, stating that it is the best form of advocacy. He encouraged collaboration with the media to ensure that LASEPA’s efforts reach the people who need them most. “We hope that we get the collaboration of news and the media so that the bulk of the work we do makes it to the doorsteps of the people who need them the most,” Dr. Ajayi said.

In conclusion, LASEPA’s achievements in 2024 demonstrate its commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability in Lagos. As the agency sets its sights on 2025, it is clear that LASEPA will continue to play a vital role in ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more livable Lagos.

In a heartwarming gesture, the Public Relations department and Management of LASEPA presented birthday frames to Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, the General Manager, to commemorate his birthday, which happened to be the previous day. The press men in attendance also joined in the celebration, extending their warm felicitations to Dr. Ajayi on his special day.