By Abdullah Lukman
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has strengthened its campaign against noise pollution with the 11th Annual Noiseless Lagos Campaign held on Tuesday in Lagos.
The event, themed “Advancing Sound Control and Technology in an Emerging Smart City,” focused on finding sustainable solutions to increasing noise pollution, especially from religious centres, schools and businesses.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Princess Oyekan Ismaila, urged residents to be more responsible in managing noise levels in shared environments.
She
said the Lagos State Government remains committed to building a noiseless smart city to protect public health and improve the environment.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Gaji Tajudeen, described noise pollution as a major public health challenge.
Represented by Dr Olasunkanmi Sojinu, he commended LASEPA for sustaining the annual campaign and warned that excessive noise poses serious health risks.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Adeyinka Sorongbe, represented by Mrs Remi George-Ashiru, said technology-driven solutions such as real-time monitoring and artificial intelligence could help tackle noise pollution.
He added that innovation must be combined with responsibility to create healthier and more liveable cities.
In his remarks, LASEPA General Manager, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing noise regulations across the state.
He warned that religious organisations, schools and businesses operating beyond approved noise limits would continue to face sanctions.
Religious leaders at the event also called for moderation during worship activities. Rev. Dr Dele Ajayi of Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, urged religious bodies to conduct programmes without disturbing neighbouring communities, while Chief Imam of Deji Oworu Mosque, Alapere, Imam Badmus Suleiman, described noise pollution as a growing menace that must be controlled.
The programme also featured a debate titled, “Technology and Noise: Who Bears the Responsibility and Consequences?”involving students from the six education districts in Lagos State.
Master Modele David Olufemi of Alimosho Senior Grammar School emerged overall winner with 373 points. Master Bello Awwal of Obele Community Senior High School came second with 368 points, while Onaolapo Olabiyi of Lagos State Senior Model College, Kankon, placed third with 339 points.
Free hearing tests were conducted for participants during the campaign to identify possible hearing-related challenges.
