LAGOS/Nigeria: In a bid to secure a healthier living environment for its residents, the Lagos State Government has emphasized the critical need for improved air quality throughout the state. The current state of air quality, labeled as unhealthy in various regions by the State’s Air Quality Index, prompted the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to call for collective efforts and understanding from the public.
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, the General Manager of LASEPA, addressed the media during a weekend briefing dedicated to analyzing the implications of the recently released air quality index. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Ajayi underscored the importance of public awareness and joint action to formulate a sustainable plan aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on human health.
Ajayi urged residents to reconsider their environmental impact and collaborate with the government in adopting more eco-friendly practices. He emphasized the need for heightened consciousness about activities that contribute to environmental degradation and poor air quality.
The General Manager pointed out the potential health consequences outlined in the air quality index, including respiratory-related diseases such as lung infections, asthma, cystic fibrosis, mesothelioma, pulmonary hypertension, and other ailments prevalent in affected areas. Additionally, he identified other health issues associated with poor air quality, such as high blood pressure, sight problems, irritation, heart problems, and worsened underlying health conditions.
Dr. Ajayi attributed the deteriorating air quality to various human activities, including emissions from generators in areas with irregular power supply, vehicular emissions, agricultural and industrial emissions, and the burning of cow skin in certain agricultural practices. He emphasized the adverse impact of high industrial concentration on air quality in specific regions of Lagos.
To counteract these challenges, Ajayi advocated for tree planting to absorb carbon dioxide and recommended the use of green energy, such as solar panels. He urged residents to mark major celebrations with tree planting activities and called for the incorporation of tree planting advocacy in schools to instill environmental consciousness in the youth.
Promoting the use of green energy, Ajayi discouraged the burning of diesel for power generation, emphasizing its negative environmental impact. He also suggested reducing the number of vehicles on the roads through carpooling and increased reliance on public transportation.
Assuring continued monitoring and implementation of policies, Dr. Ajayi pledged LASEPA’s commitment to achieving a cleaner, safer, and pollution-free environment in Lagos, aligning with the state’s status as the nation’s Center of Excellence and the fifth-largest economy in Africa.
