By Ojugbele Omotunde
A group, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN), Lagos Branch, has called on the Lagos State government to supply trash cans in public areas and highways in order to guarantee appropriate waste management and environmental hygiene in the state.
Chairman of ADSN, Alhaji Abdurahman Olabode Salaudeen, made the call during a “Keep Environment Clean” campaign by the eminent Islamic organization.
The campaign started at the National Stadium and went from Jibowu to Teslim Balogun Stadium, with participants stepping out in large groups armed with brooms and cleaning supplies.
Speaking during the cleaning operation, Alhaji Salaudeen stated that all 36 of the federation’s states would follow the society’s mandate to conduct the cleaning operation.
He mentioned that the activity was a component of the centennial celebrations of the society, which start with a special Jumah ceremony.
He said that the group is expressing gratitude for Allah’s preservation and supporting the government’s effort to improve cleanliness in certain areas, prioritizing thier visits to dignitaries.
He called on Lagosians to stop filling drainage systems with refuse as it pollutes the environment and deteriorates it.
“If individuals keep throwing trash into drainage systems, water won’t be able to flow freely during the rainy season. By clearing drainages, we have been able to fulfill our share and provide a clean, healthy environment by allowing water to flow freely during rainy seasons.
“Though they were built with lids, we are startled to see some deep drainage left uncovered. This is risky since it’s easy for individuals to fall into these drainages at night and get injuries.
“We are all accountable for keeping an eye on government properties. Let’s try to alert security personnel if you witness scavengers taking off the drainage covers. It is a death trap”, he stated.
On his part, Imam Zakariyah Muhammad Thann, the missioner for the ADSN state council, pleaded with the government to provide conditions that allow people to survive, including jobs and initiatives to reduce poverty.
Furthermore, Alhaji Abdul Ganiu Bolarinwa, a member of the state government, stated that hygiene is ranked second to godliness in Islam.
He asked the state administration to adopt policies implemented in developed nations to reduce environmental pollution.
“Trash cans are placed in front of buildings and in public areas in developed nations, preventing littering. To prevent trash from piling up in public areas, the state government needs to wake up and install trash cans alongside the highways. The state government is making an effort, but it is insufficient,” he said.