The general manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) Dr. Babatunde Ajayi has stressed the need for concerted efforts to be deployed in mitigating the negative impacts of Climate Change on the environment with the adoption of a climate-friendly lifestyle.
He stated this during 2024 International Noise Awareness Day with the theme: Protect Your Hearing Protect Your Health marked by the agency on Wednesday in Lagos.
Ajayi enlightened that the day is commemorated to draw global attention to the menace of noise and its attendant effects on human health, noting that in celebrating the day, activities aimed at creating public awareness not only on noise but also on means of reducing noise levels are organized in a number of countries all over the world including, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Italy, Spain, United States of America and recently, Asia and some African countries including Nigeria.
He said, “The goal of this celebration (INAD) all over the world has remained the same- To educate the public about the negative impacts of noise on our lives and the importance of quiet on our overall well-being.
“The lesson to take home from this celebration is therefore very clear, that is,Turn down the Volume, Limit exposure to Noise, Wear hearing protection where necessary to protect yourself from this pervasive pollutant.
“As an agency of government under the umbrella of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, LASEPA has continued to act like environmental police by ensuring compliance with the State Environmental laws to ensure that the environment is well nurtured and treated in the best friendly manner , knowing fully that, whatever thing that we throw into the Environment, will definitely be thrown back at us.
“We have therefore been carefully implementing some advocacy programs and policies geared towards repositioning our environment to rank among the best in the world.”
He added that the measures are part of the reform efforts of the Lagos State government to make the environment more protected and safer for human health and the ecosystem.
Ajayi reminisced that in December last year, the agency organized a sensitization parley for Night Club operators, Bar and Lounge owners as well as the leadership and members of religious organizations across the state on the need to minimize noises from worship centers, while Night Club operators must always ensure that they sound proof their premises in order not to disturb the peace of other people throughout the yuletide
“In the last six months of my assumption of office, LASEPA had carried out about 375 enforcement actions in various communities for various environmental violations just to ensure that there is sanity and compliance with the state environmental laws for sustainable growth and protection of the environment.
“I want to use this occasion to appeal for understanding and more collaboration from both corporate and public organizations as well as other interest groups by joining hands with government in the implementation of policies and programmes that can help in promoting green environment, while jointly taking action in addressing some of the environmental challenges such as Climate Change, perennial flooding, Environmental pollution and other menace that poses great danger to the environment.”
