Again, LASEPA sensitizes Lagosians on cholera prevention in Ikosi-Isheri axis
Dignitaries at the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency’s (LASEPA) sensitization programme for food and water vendors, as well as waste workers in Ikosi-Isheri on Thursday.
By Tunji Faleye
In continuation of its efforts to prevent a cholera outbreak in flood-affected areas of the state, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) on Thursday organized a sensitization programme for food and water vendors, as well as waste workers in the Ikosi-Isheri area of the state.
The training initiative was sponsored and funded by the Government of Japan as part of a collaboration under the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Project 240236, in partnership with the Lagos State Government through LASEPA.
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, who was represented by Adebowale Tolulope, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Environmental Protection Matters, said, “Today’s gathering is not just another event — it is a call to action. Cholera remains a preventable disease, yet it continues to pose a significant public health risk, especially in densely populated urban centres like ours.”
He added, “In Lagos State, we recognise that environmental health is public health. Poor sanitation, unsafe water, and improper waste management create the conditions in which cholera thrives. This is why LASEPA, in line with the vision of the Lagos State Government, is committed to strengthening environmental monitoring, improving sanitation standards, and empowering our citizens with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their families.”
Charles Uzoma, Field Coordinator for UNIDO, said the public awareness campaign was designed to equip informal vendors and waste workers with preventive tools and information against cholera, particularly given the increased risks 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.
The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, represented by Olanrewaju Owoturo, Director of Monitoring and Compliance, said the purpose of the programme was to sensitize residents on the causes and prevention of cholera, and to equip them with the knowledge needed to reduce the spread of the disease.
Olanrewaju reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a healthy life for residents. He advised Lagosians “to keep their environment clean, keep their food and water clean, and obtain water and food only from safe sources.”
Sanitarian Sobowale Abosede Adeola, who represented the Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, said the habits of some residents could trigger an outbreak of cholera and other communicable diseases. She urged residents to exercise caution and desist from open defecation.
A participant and the National Vice President of the Waste Workers Association of Nigeria (WAMAN), Modupe Adelaja, called on the Federal and local governments to join hands with the Lagos State Government in combating cholera. She also encouraged Lagosians to cultivate proper waste-management habits to promote healthier living.
Another participant, Olaiya Folakemi, a food vendor, urged fellow food vendors and Lagos residents to ensure that food is properly prepared with clean water to prevent the spread of diseases.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, usually spread through contaminated food or water.
It will be recalled that on June 9, 2024, about 15 people died following a cholera outbreak in Lagos State. In May 2025, another outbreak was reported, particularly in the Zongo community of Badagry West LCDA, with about 54 confirmed cases and 14 deaths.
Kindly like and leave your comments.
