By Adeola Ogunlade
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated the commitment of the State government at promoting standard environmental health practices in the state in line with its priority on Environment and Health according to the 2nd pillar of it’s THEMES Agenda.
Sanwo-Olu made the promise yesterday at the World Environmental Health Day 2023 organised by Ditectorate of Environmental/Occupational, Heath and Safety. Ministry of Health, Lagos State at the Directorate Conference Hall. Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Theme: Standing up to protect everyone’s health each and everyday”.
Sanwo-olu, who was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health. Professor Akin Abayomi assured that the THEMES agenda will continously be religiously and assiduously pursued through the various organs of the government covering environmental monitoring, food safety policies, robust climate mitigation and adaptation plan including One Health Initiatives.
He remarked that the government is very serious on this agenda due to the fact that environmental pollutant can cause health problem like respiratory diseases, heart diseases and some type of cancer especially with people with low income living in polluted areas.
“According to World Health Organisation (2016), global environmental issues account for more than 12.6 million deaths each year.
“Among the challenges we face are climate changes, deforestation, pollution and biodiversity loss” he said.
He highlighted few of the environment challenges posing a threat in a mega city like Lagos to include pollution through obnoxious chemicals, food safety, poor sanitation and traffic congestion.
Director, Environmental/Occupational, Health and Safety. Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Theophilus Ajayi who represented Abayomi assured that the various agencies established to monitor environment challenges will not rest on their hoares while Director, Epidemiology, Bio-Security and Global Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam said every citizen in the state should support the government’s effort in their little corners.
