Joseph Keshinro, chairman of the Lagos State Baales' Forum, has urged residents in all local councils to participate in the environmental sanitation exercise scheduled for April 25. The call was made during an interview in Lagos on Saturday, ahead of the state government's reintroduction of monthly sanitation exercises. Keshinro emphasized the importance of proactive cleanliness to reduce flooding, environmental damage, and disease outbreaks during the rainy season. He highlighted the need to clear drainage channels, remove refuse, and maintain clean surroundings to prevent health risks and flooding.
The chairman expressed concern over indiscriminate waste disposal and blocked drainage systems in several communities, warning that such habits could intensify flood risks during heavy rains. He stated that government efforts alone were inadequate without active community involvement. Keshinro called on traditional rulers and community leaders to lead sensitisation campaigns to ensure widespread participation. He urged market leaders and traders to keep their stalls and trading areas clean and avoid dumping waste in drainage channels.
Keshinro commended the Lagos State Government for maintaining the monthly sanitation initiative, describing it as crucial for public health and environmental cleanliness. He affirmed the Baales' Forum's continued partnership with the government and residents to promote environmental responsibility across Lagos. "The government cannot do it alone. Residents must take ownership of their environment by ensuring proper waste disposal and regular cleaning of their surroundings," he said. "I urge all traditional rulers to mobilise their residents and ensure they come out to participate fully in the sanitation," he added.
Joseph Keshinro insists residents must take ownership of sanitation while relying on traditional rulers to enforce it, yet offers no mechanism for holding either group accountable. The same communities with blocked drains and poor waste habits are being asked to self-regulate without new tools or oversight. If past clean-up exercises failed despite similar appeals, repeating the same strategy risks the same outcome. The burden shifts to people already living with inadequate waste infrastructure, while structural gaps remain unaddressed.
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