The life of the Lagos state governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged market leaders to harness technology to develop market operations and ensure proper waste management and hygiene for a sustainable environment.
Sanwo-Olu, chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, stated this during a one-day seminar on Market Sanitation and Security for Market Leaders in Lagos East Senatorial District, held at the Babajide Sanwo-Olu International Model Market, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area.
Speaking at the event, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, the First Lady said that leveraging technology in the market places would further advance the market environment to operate optimally.
She reached the commitment to extend market security and sanitation advocacy in the state through community-based associations to further the objectives of the administration’s THEMES Plus agenda.
She says, “Harnessing technology is another key aspect of improving market operations.
Tools like CCTVs, public address systems, and digital platforms, including social media, can enhance waste management, public health, and security in our markets. We started this sensitisation through the five divisions of the stage, and we are moving through the Senatorial District. After the Lagos West District, we shall move to the Community Development Associations CDAs to engage them on this cause.”
Mrs Sanwo-Olu explained that markets are the lifeblood of the economy, which offers essential goods and services to the people, and the administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu recognises its strategic importance and gives it priority towards achieving the vision of making Lagos a 21st-century economy.
She emphasised that markets present challenges, particularly regarding environmental and health risks. She noted that addressing those challenges is essential to safeguarding the well-being of market users, the economy, and the environment.
The governor’s wife emphasised the need to be security conscious in the markets. She urged market leaders to develop effective strategies, provide training on best practices, and educate stakeholders on identifying and reporting potential threats to market safety, particularly during this yuletide season.
“As we are already in the festive season, I urge all stakeholders to collaborate with government agencies to prevent fire outbreaks and other mishaps. The government remains committed to supporting markets by investing in infrastructure, providing training, and promoting initiatives that foster growth and development, “she said.
In his address, the commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr Bolaji Robert, said that markets are essential hubs of economic activity that provide people with livelihoods, and it is vital to keep the environment clean.
Robert said that the sanitation programme was designed to address the path to improving waste management and public health in the marketplace and how to consolidate this as a recipe for economic growth.
