The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), working with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and funded by the Government of Japan, has continued its statewide cholera prevention campaign with a sensitisation and training programme in Ikeja.
The initiative forms part of Project 240236, an emergency capacity-building programme designed to equip informal food handlers, water vendors and waste workers in flood-affected communities with knowledge and practical skills to prevent cholera and other waterborne diseases.
The Ikeja session is the ninth in a series of awareness programmes already conducted in several local government areas, including Lagos Island, Alimosho, Ojo, Kosofe, Ikorodu and Lagos Mainland.
Held at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, the event brought together food and water vendors, waste handlers, students, artisans, market leaders and environmental health officials.
Participants received guidance on environmental hygiene, safe food handling, access to clean water and proper waste disposal, particularly during the rainy season when the risk of cholera outbreaks increases.
Speaking at the programme, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Omobolaji Gaji, stressed the importance of prevention through public awareness.
He was represented by the Director of Sanitation Services at the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Hassan Sanuth.
Dr Sanuth said Lagos experienced cholera outbreaks in 2024 which led to deaths, prompting authorities to strengthen prevention efforts.
He said the government, in partnership with LASEPA and UNIDO, had intensified sensitisation campaigns across local government areas to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Officials say the ongoing campaign aims to improve public health safety by targeting vulnerable groups whose work and environment place them at higher risk of exposure to cholera.
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