THE Lagos State Government has kicked off the celebration of the 2023 World Environment Day with a sensitisation campaign to discourage single-use plastics within the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, as members of staff who came into the complex with single-use polythene bags and plastic bottles had them exchanged with multi-use bags and water bottles.
While addressing some of the staff, who were visibly thrilled by the gesture at the Secretariat Main gate, Alausa, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, said plastic waste has become a critical issue affecting the environment.
Represented by the Director of Environmental Education, Mrs Monsurat Banire, he explained that plastic waste, especially pet bottles and styrofoam, had become a menace in society and getting rid of these items has become hard, adding that an increase in its improper disposal portends great danger to human health.
He explained that most times, plastic waste, if not properly disposed of, usually ends up in the ocean, thereby endangering marine and human life.
Highlighting the 2023 World Environment Day theme: “Solutions to the Plastic Pollution”, he said the campaign was to ensure the best way residents can avoid single-use plastics and embrace eco-friendly alternatives so that the beautiful planet remains a comfortable home for humanity.
He then outlined the activities lined up for the 2023 World Environment Day celebration, including the single-use plastic-free day campaign day, where reusable bottles and bags will be distributed within the Secretariat.
He said there would also be a waterfront clean up and recyclables buyback in the five divisions across the State, with a climax of the celebrations on Monday, June 5, 2023.
Gaji encouraged residents to keep reusable bags for shopping and move around with reusable water bottles to curb the menace of plastic pollution, adding that the responsibility cannot be left to the government alone.
Meanwhile, the World Environment Day celebration team also paid a courtesy call to the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and was received by the Director, Post Service Department and Public Service Office, Mrs Bukonla Durodola, who commended the campaign against single-use plastics and pledged the State Government’s support for it.
She said recycling can help protect the environment while conserving natural resources and as such, the State Government has commenced training for retirees on the need to sort waste and ways to make money from recycling plastic waste.
