—as monarch, Oniru pledges more support for govt’s cleaner environment’s efforts

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Government has given illegal squatters on drainage channels around Dodan Barracks in the Obalende region and Gedegede Community on Lagos Island seven days to depart or be driven out since the constructions have been marked for demolition.

The order was issued by the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during an inspection tour of some drainage facilities in the Obalende area, Lekki Phase 2, in the Eti OSA Local Government Area, while leading state officials including the Special Adviser Environment Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies toured drainages, environmental infractions around Dodan Barracks, Obalende, Lekki 2 and Iru Kingdom.

This happened as the Environment team received a commendation from the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Lawal, who praised the government's efforts to ensure a cleaner environment and expressed willingness to support the initiatives, particularly in restoring the state's flora.

"Without regard for whose ox will be gored." To that goal, some residents of Lekki 2's Gedegede Community have built on the canal path, narrowing the principal channel.

"It will cause flooding, which will destroy other people's assets." There is no turning back now. "My concern is why are people being so reckless in the pursuit of grabbing land and making money at the expense of others," Wahab remarked.

Wahab explained what happened at Dodan Barracks in Obalende, saying, "We had to check the canal and water path for wastewater in the Barracks." Surprisingly, they have been constructed to obstruct the passage of water, and as you are aware, water must find its level.

"We have served the requisite notices that will lapse in seven days and we are going to have a meeting with the GOC and the commander because we have to do demolition to open up paths for the water to enter the primary channels," he went on to say.

Wahab claimed that on Obalende, which the crew also visited, "everything has been converted into motor parks." "The Magregor Canal path has also been blocked." So, for me, our assignment in Obalende is also pretty clear. We will serve them with notices to depart so that the place can be thoroughly cleaned. We used to have green there, and we'll bring it back."

Speaking about the Gedegede Community in Lekki Phase 2, he stated that the ministry received petitions over the unwholesome behavior of some developers who have converted the right of way into land and have been fully built up, exposing other property owners to the risk of property loss.

"People forget that the environment is the master of man," he says. We received petitions claiming that individuals are constructing on the canal, so we went to investigate. What we found was not promising. They have built on the waterway from beginning to end."

"As a result of their activities, virtually all of the houses on one side are always flooded." Before we begin demolition, we will issue them with notifications.

"The notices are for 7 days but for the building infractions on the other side, if you check, they have served them notices before so, demolition will start on Monday" said the deputy commissioner.

Earlier, Oba Lawal requested a collaboration with the state government to build a green park in Iru Kingdom, claiming 15,000 square meters for the purpose.

"We are all aware of climate change and understand the importance of maintaining a clean environment," the monarch says. We also know that Lagosians require regular counsel, so the government should keep this up. Regular engagement of stakeholders is critical because leaving things too long becomes a habit. When this enforcement is maintained on a regular basis, it will instill in people the importance of keeping our environment clean.

"We will continue to support the Lagos State government in its pursuit of a livable environment as traditional rulers and community leaders." I am confident that the environment family has the passion and capacity to do the right thing for Lagosians, and that they will deliver.

"I have also discussed the possibility of establishing green parks within the metropolis with the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) because I understand the importance of having a green environment and I have approximately 15,000 square meters that can be converted from a space to a place." We must do more."

Oba Lawal, as a result, called for the continuation of inspection tours, which would assist keep criminals at bay and provide the government with first-hand knowledge of what is going on throughout the state.

According to Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser on Environment, it is regrettable that most business owners and companies are casual about cleaning their drainages and illegal waste disposal, adding that they commit the offense and leave the infractions waiting for the government to clean them up.

He charged locals with frequently cleaning the tertiary drains in front of their houses and businesses to supplement the year-round cleaning of the primary and secondary channels.

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Gaji Omobolaji, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, and his counterpart in the Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde, Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority, Dr Muyiwa Gbedegesin, General Manager, Lagos State Parks and Garden Agency, and Mrs Toun Popoola were also present.