In a significant move towards a cleaner and healthier environment, the Hephzibarian Women’s Initiative has partnered with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Environment to launch a crusade against single-use plastics and styrofoam. This collaborative effort aims to eradicate the use of these hazardous materials, which have been identified as major contributors to environmental pollution and health risks.

Barrister Omowunmi Ogungbaibi founder Hephizibarian Women’s Initiative emphasized the importance of driving Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s message on health and environment, as the Lagos State Government collaborates with Hephzibarian Women Initiatives to eradicate single-use plastics and styrofoam.

According to Barrister Omowunmi, the event brought together stakeholders, including retailers, manufacturers, and students, to promote alternatives to single-use plastics and styrofoam. This collective effort aims to support the government’s initiative and create a cleaner environment.

She encouraged students in the hall to spread the message, urging food vendors to stop using single-use plastics and styrofoam, and instead opt for reusable and healthy alternatives. By involving students in the campaign, Ogungbaibi hopes to create a lasting impact on the environment.

Barrister Omowunmi Ogungbaibi praised the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, for his innovative approaches to combating environmental pollution. Market leaders, including Chief Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, have also pledged their support, advocating for a ban on single-use plastics in markets.

She highlighted the campaign’s goal of promoting a cleaner and healthier environment, reducing the hazards associated with single-use plastics and styrofoam, such as blocked drainages and flooding. With the collective efforts of stakeholders, Lagos is poised to become a model for environmental sustainability.

Engr. Rotimi Akodu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, emphasized the significance of the event, praising the Hephizibarian Women’s Initiative for their efforts in partnering with the government to drive the policy forward.

“The ban on styrofoam and some single-use plastics is not just a policy, but a necessary step towards protecting our environment and public health,” Akodu said. “We’ve exempted pure water sachets and pet bottles for now, but other items like cutlery and nylon bags less than 40 microns are included in the ban.”

Akodu highlighted the dangers of styrofoam, citing its contribution to environmental pollution and health hazards. He encouraged the reuse of plastic products and the adoption of biodegradable alternatives, such as paper bags.

As Akodu noted, “Government alone cannot drive this campaign. We need the support of private sectors, NGOs, and the public to make a significant impact.

According to Mrs. Adenaike Olabimpe, Federal Controller of Environment, who represented the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abass Lawal, single-use plastics pose a significant threat to the environment, marine and wildlife, human health, and the economy. These plastics, designed for short-term use, are made from non-renewable resources like petroleum and contribute to environmental crises, harm to marine life, and economic instability.

She informed that the ban, which is part of a nationwide effort to curb plastic waste pollution, aims to address the alarming rate of plastic pollution in Nigeria.

She said “Lagos state, which is below sea level, has been particularly affected by plastic pollution, with clogged drains and waterways contributing to frequent flooding. The state government had earlier announced a ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam in January.

She stated thats the Nigerian Government is committed to leading by example, having already stopped the use of single-use plastics in government offices. The Federal Ministry of Environment has also discontinued the use of single-use plastics at its headquarters and agencies.

Yetunde Adeniji, Senior Special Assistant to the President on the school feeding program stated the dangers associated with using styrofoam and single-use plastics, citing their role in causing environmental degradation and health complications. “When you keep food in such containers, they tend to have side effects that are not good for the system,” she warned.

The presidential aide revealed that her office has been exploring eco-friendly alternatives for packaging food, particularly for children. “We want to ensure that when we package food for kids, we use substances that promote their health and wellbeing,” Adeniji explained.

Chief Mrs. Folasade Adedeji, representing the Iyaloja General, emphasized the importance of discontinuing the use of styrofoam to prevent drainage blockages and environmental destruction. “Styrofoams don’t decompose over time, they destroy,” she warned.

Adedeji praised the market leader in Iba for already eliminating styrofoam and encouraged all local governments in Lagos to comply. She expressed confidence that once Lagos sets the example, other states will follow.

Hon. Ruth Lijinrin, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Civic Engagement, also endorsed the ban on styrofoam, citing its inability to decompose and its contribution to environmental pollution.

She commended Hephizibarian Women’s Initiative for their efforts in promoting a cleaner and healthier environment through the eradication of styrofoam.