Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, the General Manager (GM) of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), has identified proper management of hazardous waste as one of the measures to control environmental degradation.
According to Ajayi, environmental damage increases the impact of floods and other environmental catastrophes.
TOP MEDIA reports that the LASEPA boss spoke during the monthly technical session with members of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE), Lagos State Chapter, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
What Policymakers Should Do
Ajayi warned that soil erosion, land degradation and deforestation contribute to food security crisis and inflation as currently witnessed in Nigeria.
The expert stated that it would be more impactful and sensible to utilise resources judiciously by amalgamating and implementing them with the shared objective of eradicating waste and improving living condition concurrently.
He said:
“Presently, existing domestic waste management laws are not far-reaching enough because they ignore the socio-economic peculiarities of the constituent communities across towns and cities.
“Therefore, to ensure efficient waste management in these neighbourhoods, policymakers and city administrators must develop a multi-level strategy and blueprint for the collection, management, recycling, and disposal of domestic waste in low-income neighbourhoods that guarantees a healthy environment, access to clean air, and protection of water sources and groundwater aquifers.”
Majolagbe
During the event, the state chapter of the NIEE led by Engr. Yusuf Majolagbe pointed out that the planet is facing unprecedented challenges. He stressed that the consequences of environmental deterioration extend far beyond the realm of the ecosystems as “they directly affect the health and well-being of each and every one of us”.
His words:
“As responsible stewards of our planet, we must recognize the intricate link between environmental health and public well-being. It is imperative that we unite our efforts to mitigate and reverse environmental degradation, adopting sustainable practices and embracing eco-friendly technologies. By doing so, we not only preserve the beauty of our natural world but also safeguard the health of current and future generations.”
Some of the top personalities in attendance were the NIEE national chairman, Engr. Nureni Adegboyega Ogunyemi; Engr. Abiola Kosegbe, the immediate past chairman NIEE Lagos and Permanent Secretary of the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Lagos State Government; and Engr Adefemi Adedimeji Afolabi, the General Manager of the Lagos State Waste Water Management Office (LASWAMO).
See some photos from the event below:
Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, FNIEE, General Manager, Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), Engr. Sesan Odukoya, FNIEE, Immediate Past National Chairman NIEE, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi General Manager Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and Guest Speaker, Engr. Nureni Adegboyega Ogunyemi, FNIEE, National Chairman NIEE and Engr. Yusuf Majolagbe, FNIEE Chairman NIEE Lagos State Chapter during the February 2024 NIEE LAGOS TECHNICAL SESSION Held at LASEPA Conference Room 14th February 2024
