Lagos – In a concerted effort to bolster public health and environmental sustainability, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) have unveiled a collaborative media campaign aimed at eradicating open defecation along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

The announcement was made by Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, in a statement released on X.com on Wednesday.

The campaign, spearheaded by Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, and Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Environmental Protection Matters, focuses on the median from OPIC Plaza to Otedola Bridge. The initiative seeks to address the dual challenges of public health and environmental degradation by preventing the spread of cholera and other communicable diseases while improving the visual appeal of this critical transportation corridor.

“The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency have launched a joint media campaign to ban open defecation along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway,” the statement read. “This initiative aims to enhance public health and environmental sustainability by preventing the spread of cholera and other communicable diseases while restoring the aesthetic appeal of this vital corridor.”

Dr. Ajayi highlighted the urgent need to raise awareness about the health risks associated with open defecation, particularly during the rainy season when the risk of water contamination is heightened. He underscored the importance of involving various stakeholders, including local governments, Environmental Health Officers, market women, and law enforcement agencies, in monitoring the area and ensuring compliance.

“To ensure the sustainability of the campaign’s impact, we will work with local governments and other relevant stakeholders to monitor the area for violations and report any infractions for legal action,” Dr. Ajayi explained. “The rainy season significantly increases the risk of waterborne diseases, and it is crucial that we act decisively to mitigate these risks.”

Dr. Kehinde praised LASEPA for leading this critical campaign and emphasized the importance of inter-state collaboration in tackling environmental issues. “This initiative sets a strong precedent for how we can work together to address common challenges,” he said.

Additionally, Dr. Kehinde revealed that Ogun State is partnering with international organizations to construct more public toilets as part of a broader strategy to eliminate open defecation.

The joint campaign by Lagos and Ogun states represents a proactive approach to addressing open defecation and underscores the commitment of both governments to improving public health and environmental quality. This initiative reflects a unified effort to create a cleaner, healthier environment for residents and travelers along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.