LASEPA marks International Noise Awareness Day with inter-school debate competition
By Tunji Faleye
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Environmental and Protection Agency (LASEPA), celebrated International Noise Awareness Day (INAD) on Wednesday with an Inter District School Debate Competition focused on the theme: Technology and Air Pollution: Who Bears the Responsibilities and Consequences?
During the event, themed “Protect Your Health, Protect Your Hearing,” Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, the General Manager of LASEPA, emphasized that the debate competition for secondary school students in Lagos is designed to raise awareness about the impacts of noise pollution. He also highlighted the importance of informing parents and younger generations about the dangers of air pollution.
“These students will absorb this knowledge and carry it forward. We believe that media coverage will help spread the message to the wider community. Our hope is that the students will engage with the topic and learn valuable lessons from today’s program,” he stated.
Dr. Ajayi went on to discuss the agency’s ongoing efforts to tackle noise pollution. He noted, “The state government is actively enforcing regulations across various sectors, including religious institutions and entertainment venues. Just this week, we’ve had to seal off 40 facilities due to noise violations. While we’ve been consistent in our enforcement, it’s frustrating that less than 10 percent of these facilities continue to disturb the peace even after being sanctioned. If they persist in breaking the rules, we will have no choice but to shut them down completely.” He concluded.
Kayode Bello, the Director of the Alimosho Zonal Office at LASEPA, shared that today’s event is more than just a word contest; it’s a celebration of intellect, critical thinking, and the power of expression. He praised the participants for their bravery and the effort they put into preparing for the debate, emphasizing that the knowledge they gain here will stay with them for life.
Ayodele David from Alimosho Senior Secondary School District 1 took home the top prize with a score of 373 in the debate competition. Bello Awual, a student from Obele Community Senior High School District 4, secured second place with a score of 368, while Onaolapo Olabiyi from Lagos State Model College, District 5, came in third with 339 points.
Nnajiofor Pamela from Eva Adelaja Girls Senior Secondary School District 2 finished fourth with 333 points. The fifth and sixth places were claimed by Ismial Olarewaju of Boys Senior Academy, District 3, with 302 points, and Anoibi Precious from Army Children Senior Secondary School District 6, who scored 179 points.
Ayodele David, the overall winner, expressed his motivation for joining the debate competition, saying, “The topic was really interesting as it relates to society as a whole. I made sure to prepare thoroughly by doing research and using the best information to come out on top today.”
Wrapping up the event, Abosede Natufe, Head of the Noise Control Unit at LASEPA, extended her gratitude to Dr. Ajayi, the GM of LASEPA, for his excellent leadership and for creating a supportive environment. She encouraged all participants to make the most of the knowledge they gained today.
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