…calls for collaboration on climate change action
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a noiseless Lagos that is safe, secure and more environmentally friendly for sustainable development.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Tunde Ajayi stated this on Wednesday in his welcome address at the Year 2024 International Noise Awareness Day Celebration with the theme: “Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Health”, held at the Secretariat Alausa. He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to fostering a noiseless environment through various advocacy programmes and efficient policy implementation.
Dr. Ajayi expressed concerns at the growing rate of noise in public places, especially, worship centres, lounges, motor parks, clubhouses and other places, adding that the harmful effects of noise on human health called for urgent action.
According to him, the International Noise Awareness Day (INAD) celebration serves as a global campaign to draw public attention to the detrimental effects of noise pollution on human health.
While noting that the Day is commemorated on the last Wednesday in April of every year, Dr Ajayi explained that INAD is aimed at raising awareness about the negative impacts of noise and the need for an advocacy programme to reduce noise levels across the world for a healthy citizenry.
“As we commemorate this day, it is crucial to acknowledge the adverse effects of excessive noise on both our physical and mental well-being. Noise pollution poses a multitude of health risks, including hearing impairment, stress, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular complications”, the GM stated.
He explained further that his agency in the last six months has conducted 375 enforcement actions for various environmental violations, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining sanity and compliance with state environmental laws for sustainable growth and environmental protection.
These efforts, according to him, were part of the Lagos State Government’s reform agenda to protect the environment, promote human health, and the safety of the ecosystem.
He reminded participants that, as part of LASEPA’s advocacy programmes, the Agency recently organised a sensitisation parley for Night Club operators, Bar and Lounge owners, as well as religious organisations across the State, emphasising the need to minimise noises from worship centres while nightclubs and lounges must ensure soundproofing of their premises to maintain peace and tranquillity within the environment of their operations.
In his lecture at the event, the Co-founder of Learners Corner, Mr. Julius Ilori who spoke on the theme of the celebration: “Protect your Hearing, Protect Your Health” charged youths, especially students to minimise noise in schools and public places because of its impact on their health”.
Ilori also commended the State Government for involving pupils and students of various schools in the celebration, noting that development initiatives in the past that put youths at the centre have always been successful.
He urged pupils and students of various schools present to continue to join hands with the State government in its various advocacy programmes against noise pollution.
The highlight of the programme was a free hearing test conducted on people with hearing complaints. There was also a Health Talk on “Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Health”, by Agidingbi Junior Grammar School, followed by a short drama presented by the students of Oregon Senior High School.