Dignitaries at the LASEPA’s sensitization event for food and water vendors at Egbeda, Alimosho area on Tuesday.
By Tunji Faleye
In continuation of its crucial awareness drive to prevent cholera outbreak in the flood affected areas of the State, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) on Tuesday organized a sensitization awareness for food and water vendors, as well as waste workers in Egbeda, Alimosho area of the State.
This emergency training initiative was sponsored and funded by the Government of Japan as a collaboration under United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Project 240236, in partnership with the Lagos State Government through Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
Image credit: LASEPA
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, represented by Kayode Bello, Director, LASEPA Alimosho Zonal Office said “the training and capacity building is all-inclusive training for informal food and water vendors, as well as waste workers to understand how cholera spreads, how to handle food and water safely, proper hygiene and safe disposal of waste.”
Dr Ajayi added that the sensitization campaigns in flood‑affected communities is also to teach residents, vendors, and workers about prevention, symptoms, and response.
In preventing cholera, the general manager said necessary kits and materials for safe water treatment, hygiene (soap, disinfectants), protective gear, possibly test kits will be provided.
He stated that environmental management will be strengthened for better waste management practices, ensuring efficiency in drainage systems and collection of waste, so that flooding does not carry contaminants into water sources.
Dr.Omobolaji Tajudeen Gaji, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Service. Image credit: LASEPA
Presenting his paper, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Service, Dr.Omobolaji Tajudeen Gaji, represented by the Director of Sanitation Services in the Ministry of the Environment who spoke on “Good Practices for Food and Water Safety in Flood-Prone Areas: Combating Cholera Outbreaks” said, participants should ensure that food is handled, stored, and prepared safely to prevent contamination, and wash hands thoroughly before handling food.
Dr Sanuth advised people to cook food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, and seafood, to kill pathogens, and use food thermometer to ensure that food is cooked to a safe temperature.
He added that Lagosians should avoid consuming raw or undercooked food, especially during a cholera outbreak, as it can increase the risk of infection.
He concluded that “A collective action is important to prevent cholera outbreak and this is a call to action hence, let’s work together to ensure food and water safety in flood-prone areas.”
-
- Dignitaries at the LASEPA’s sensitization event for food and water vendors at Egbeda, Alimosho area on Tuesday.
- Image credit: LASEPA
Charles Uzoma, Field Coordinator for UNIDO, explained that the public awareness campaign is designed to arm informal vendors and waste workers with preventive tools and information against cholera, particularly given the increased risk caused by flooding and poor sanitation. He urged Lagos residents to be more conscious of drinking safe water and the harmful effects of indiscriminate waste disposal, which contaminates water sources during floods.
Abanum Austin, Chairman of the Water Producers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) in Alimosho area pledged his association’s support to the efforts of Lagos State Government in preventing cholera upsurge in the state.
Three schools including; Alimosho Senior Grammar School, Alimosho who presented a short playlet, State Senior College, Alimosho with a poem rendition, and State High School, Alimosho, with a talk show on cholera were in attendance.
Other people in attendance were; Taiwo Adewumi, president of Masterbaker; Adefemi Abiodun from Lagos State Waste Management Authority representing the general manager, General Manager, Lagos State Waste Water Management Office as well as food and water vendors in Alimosho area of the state.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spread through contaminated food or water.
It will be recalled that on June 9, 2024 about 15 people died as a result of cholera outbreak in Lagos State. Also, in May 2025, another cholera outbreak was reported particularly in the Zongo community of Badagry West LCDA, and about 54 confirmed cases were reported resulting in the death of 14 people.
Are you taking care of your environment?
