The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) says that 22,500 children died in the state as a result of air pollution in 2021.
This represent 75% of the 30,000 people who died in 2021 in the state due to the bad environment, according to LASEPA citing a report that recorded the impact of air pollution on the health of residents.
This was disclosed by the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, during the official kick-off ceremony for the “EKO Clean Air” project on Saturday in Lagos, themed “Breathe Clean Air Now,” News Agency of Nigeria reported.
Fasawe said that the administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is working towards delivering clean air and sustainable environment to Lagos residents, “because there is no good health without a good environment.
“Eko for Clean Air is preaching prosperity, good health, increased GDP and increased productivity for the people of Lagos State.
“We are currently in Itedo community and the response has been mind blowing.
“We did Air Quality Study before this intervention and we also did something called the K-A-P: Knowledge, Attitude and Practices and we realised that a lot of persons did not know the effects of air pollution on health.
“So, our coming here to preach clean energy and recycling, the people are excited and they are committed to partnering with the government on the project.
“As you can see, the government is teaching the people the practice of waste to wealth by buying the plastic waste, E-waste and used oils from them, thus petting money to their pocket”.
She said that LASEPA would return to the community in four weeks to measure the air quality and ascertain their compliance with the practice already established.
“If they had listened to us, and they are practising what we have taught them, the air will be cleaner.
“We will not stop to see plastic bottles on the road because Lagos State is living behind a permanent plastic recycler in this community.
“Everyday, bring your plastic and you will be paid right there for used plastic,” Fasawe said.
The general manager said that the state government intended to replicate the project in the 57 local government areas and LCDAs before the end of the administration of the present government.
She urged the people of the community to use rechargeable lamps instead of kerosene lanterns, use gas instead of firewood and reusable bottles for drinking water instead of sachet or bottle water.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
