Residents of Olorunda Local Council Development Area in Badagry turned out in large numbers on Saturday as the reintroduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise commenced across Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence.
The exercise was monitored by our correspondent, who toured major communities within the council area and observed the level of participation.
The state government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had earlier announced the return of the sanitation programme, scheduled to hold between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., every last Saturday of the month, with residents expected to clean their surroundings.
Across Olorunda, markets, shops and streets remained largely empty during the exercise, as residents engaged in sweeping, clearing drains and disposing of waste. Movement was minimal, with only a few vehicles seen along the Badagry-Agbara road, reportedly conveying essential workers.
The Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Peter Ajose, joined residents in the clean-up alongside the Secretary to the Local Government, Wahab Ashade, and other officials, moving through key streets to supervise and take part in the exercise.
Some residents who spoke with our correspondent expressed support for the initiative. Mr. Jamiu Ajadi, who lives in Oko-Afo and works in Age-Mowo, joined others, including Mr. Akeem Ajala and trader Mrs. Omowumi Taiwo Aladesanmi, in praising the decision to restore the monthly sanitation.
Ajadi criticised the earlier suspension of the exercise, noting its impact on the environment. He maintained that the programme does not disrupt business activities and urged residents to give priority to cleanliness.
In Morogbo, a resident identified as OGD said participation was widespread. He stated that people came out in large numbers to clean their surroundings, ensuring that the environment was kept tidy.
Also speaking on activities along the Morogbo–Ijanikin axis, the Chief Executive Officer of Mofolape Global Enterprise said, “Environmental sanitation is taking place right now along badagry express way… nobody is out except the market women, and they are doing sanitation.”
Another resident reporting from Ibiye, Mrs. Adepeju Olatunji, described the situation in her area, saying, “Environmental sanitation is going on smoothly here; everyone is busy doing one thing or the other. People are outside clearing their gutters, the dirt around their houses and even shop owners on the street came to their shop to clear their frontage and gutters. Sanitation here is going on, and everyone is cooperating.”