The Lagos state Government on Thursday reiterated that it is only when residents in the floodplain communities imbibe positive attitudinal change that would help in addressing the menace of flooding in such communities across the metropolis.
Speaking during the 2025 Coastal Community Advocacy Programme held at the Ikorodu Local Government, Ikorodu, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Environmental Services, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji, stressed that everyone has a major role to play in flood prevention and coastal communities’ safety.
The Permanent Secretary, who spoke through the Director, Environmental Education Unit, Mrs. Mosurat Banire, highlighted the theme of the programme, “From Awareness to Action: Enhancing Coastal Safety through Environmental Education”, noting that it strikes at the heart of various environmental challenges that directly affect the flora and the fauna.
“As we engage in today’s programme, let us move beyond discussions, let’s all walk the talk, imbibe attitudinal change, commit to sustainable actions in our lifestyles, influence others and be a change agent”, he said.
He explained that Lagos is a low-lying coastal state, particularly vulnerable to flooding with increasing rainfall intensity, rising sea levels, and poor waste disposal habits, saying that with the above challenges, the coastal zones are at risk more than ever.
He added that the impacts are visible and the reality demands urgent, coordinated actions not just from government institutions but from every member of the community, and stakeholder ownership is very important.
He said the Community Environmental advocacy goes beyond awareness as it inspires behavioural change, empowers communities with practical knowledge, and fosters a sense of shared responsibility, equips residents with knowledge on flood risk management and early warning systems.
He added that Environmental advocacy also promotes environmental best practices such as keeping drains clear, reducing the use of plastic, and strengthening the collaboration between government, community associations, and civil society for long-term resilience.
Gaji emphasised that the State government has continually invested in drainage rehabilitation, shoreline protection, and community sensitisation, adding that the aforementioned efforts must be met with local commitments.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that flood prevention in coastal communities and ecosystem sustainability can only be achieved when market traders discourage indiscriminate waste disposal, artisans avoid building on floodplains, and residents embrace sustainable sanitation and hygiene practices across the state.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Deputy Director, Environmental Education, Mrs. Olufunke Olaleye, noted that Flooding has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing coastal communities worldwide, and Lagos State is no exception.
She added that in recent times, some areas in the state witnessed flooding issues caused not only by climate change but also by human-induced activities such as poor waste disposal, unplanned urban development, blockage of drainage channels, and disregard for environmental regulations.
The Guest Speaker and Director Environmental Assessment Department, Dr. Olasunkanmi Sojinu, in his presentation titled “Man and his Environment – The Siamese Twins”, said the Earth is the only planet that supports life, Man’s only Home and Man’s only Environment.
He stressed that some human-induced activities that hurt the environment include bush/refuse burning, air pollution from industrial facilities/ generators/ vehicular emissions, indiscriminate waste disposal, unnecessary tree felling, open defecation, and blocking of drainage channels, amongst others.
