In a bid to ensure a cleaner and flood free environment in Lagos, the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Sanitation Community Development Service, CDS, Group in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State has embarked on a public sensitisation campaign to educate traders, commercial drivers and residents on the dangers of indiscriminate waste disposal and blocked drainage channels.
Speaking during the exercise at Ojota Bus Park, the Coordinator of the NYSC Sanitation CDS Group, Miss Asah Sokeigbeba, said the campaign was aimed at discouraging residents from dumping refuse into drainage systems, noting that such practices contribute significantly to flooding during the rainy season.
Miss Sokeigbeba, a corps member from Rivers State serving in Lagos, explained that Ojota was selected for the sensitisation because of its busy market environment, where many traders lack adequate knowledge of proper waste management.
According to her, refuse dumped indiscriminately is often washed into drainage channels by rainwater, leading to blockages and increased flood risks.
The Corps member urged the Lagos State Government to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on environmental sanitation, stressing that many residents are unaware of the environmental consequences of their actions.
She noted that sustained education would be more effective in changing behaviour than relying solely on enforcement measures.
The NYSC Sanitation group coordinator also called on traders and commercial drivers to dispose of their waste responsibly and appealed to the state government to complement residents’ efforts by ensuring prompt evacuation of refuse.
She disclosed that the Kosofe NYSC Sanitation CDS Group, made up of over 100 corps members from different service batches, conducts similar sensitisation exercises across markets and public places within the local government area, including Ketu and other commercial hubs.
Some of the Corps members displayed cards with inscriptions such as “Say no to illegal refuse dumping”, “Don’t dump waste in drainages” “Floods begin with carelessness”, “Your waste today, your flood tomorrow”
Written by Yemisi Dada