LAGOS REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO NOISELESS ENVIRONMENT 

Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to its noiseless Lagos advocacy programme aimed at creating public awareness of the negative impact of noise on human health and the need for adherence to government regulations on the menace of noise pollution and other environmental infractions

This commitment was reiterated at the Year 2024 Annual Noiseless Lagos Awareness campaign, organised by LASEPA on Thursday and held at the JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja. Lagos. 

The awareness campaign with the theme: “Hearing Deficit:  Time to Take Action”, was designed to draw public attention to the harmful effect of noise on human health. 

In his welcome address at the event, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Tunde Ajayi said the State Government is unwavering committed to addressing the menace of noise pollution and its adverse effects on the health of the citizenry.

He stressed the need for urgent collective action to identify and eliminate sources of noise pollution, emphasising its detrimental effects on public health and societal growth.

He noted that LASEPA has been at the forefront of advocating for a quieter and more peaceful noiseless Lagos that is safer, cleaner and more habitable for sustainable development. 

Ajayi reaffirmed LASEPA’s dedication to enforcing existing regulations, implementing innovative strategies, and collaborating with stakeholders across various sectors to reduce noise pollution to acceptable standards.

The “Noiseless Lagos” Awareness Campaign would be used to sensitise all stakeholders in the state on the importance of conducting their activities peacefully, without causing disturbances to the environment and communities.

He, therefore, urged people to join the Lagos State Government in the fight against noise pollution and other environmental infractions to achieve a noiseless and pollution-free Lagos, setting a benchmark for excellence.

The GM assured that LASEPA under his watch, would not relent in implementing government policies and programmes to achieve a better and improved environment for all Lagosians.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye outlined the detrimental effects of noise pollution on health, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to curb the pervasive issue. 

Ogboye, who was represented by the  Director of Health Promotion, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Badejo Olusegun, underscored the dangers associated with vehicle honking and the broader impact of noise pollution on public health. 

He noted the importance of implementing strategic interventions to mitigate its negative effects on the well-being of Lagos residents.

“Excessive noise poses serious health risks and undermines the quality of life for individuals living in urban environments. We must work together to address this pressing issue to safeguard the health of our communities”, he stated.

He added that the Lagos State Ministry of Health is ready to prioritise initiatives aimed at eradicating noise pollution and called for concerted efforts from government agencies, private sector entities, and the general public to achieve lasting solutions and create a quieter, healthier environment for all.

The event was attended by representatives from various government agencies, educational institutions, religious bodies and community organisations.

The highlight of the event was the free hearing tests conducted by professional audiologists hired by the agency to assist people with hearing issues. 

Gifts were also given to students of various schools and institutions who performed brilliantly during the question and answer session structured by the agency to test students’ knowledge of some basic environmental puzzles.