By Demi Adeniyi
The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring a safe, secure, and habitable environment with the successful hosting of its Special Advocacy and Public Sensitization Programme over the weekend.
The event, which commenced at the Safety Arena, Bolade, Oshodi, brought together stakeholders from across the state to address pressing environmental and traffic-related issues under the theme: Zero-Tolerance for Environmental and Traffic Offences.
The Commissioner for Justice of the Lagos State Government, Mr Pedro Lawal who was also accompanied by the Coordinator of the Mobile Court, Mrs Arinola Ogbara-Banjoko, declared the programme open and stated that the THEMES Plus agenda of the present administration has provided enough bus stops and toilets to prevent traffic obstruction, picking up passengers in the Highway and the toilets to prevent open defecation in the metropolis.
The programme highlighted critical violations that pose threats to public safety and urban order, these includes; Driving against traffic (One-Way violations); obstruction of roadways, unauthorized street trading, and open defecation.
Other offending issues are; non-use of pedestrian bridges, illegal operation of motorcycles (okada) on highways, blocking streets for parties and picking passengers on highways.
To further drive home its message, Taskforce operatives embarked on sensitization tour of key corridors; such as Oshodi, Ikeja Along, Ikeja Under Bridge, and Abule Egba, engaging with residents and community leaders.
The team also visited the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos Headquarters, where they were warmly received by the Chairman, Alhaji Olanrewaju Adekunle (Sego), and his executives, who pledged their support for the initiative.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, emphasized the need for public collaboration in upholding the state’s environmental and traffic laws.
“This programme reflects the agency’s unwavering resolve to promote awareness, enforce regulations, and foster a culture of responsibility among residents,” said CSP Akerele.
He further assured Lagosians that the Taskforce remains resolute in its mission to uphold the laws of the state, ensuring a safe, serene, and habitable environment for all.