Lagos, yesterday, received the Federal Government ecology team working on a comprehensive survey of ecological sites across the country.
Receiving the delegates on behalf of Chairmen of Local Government Councils, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Muslim Folami described the visit as a welcome development and an indication that the Federal Government identifies with ecological peculiarities of the State.
He added that although the State Government swiftly responded to the flooding issue that wreaked havoc in some areas in the State in July, the assistance from the Federal Government will further compliment the efforts of the State Government in proferring lasting solutions to the issue of flooding in Lagos.
Folami stated that Governor Ambode had already assured residents of the State that the flooding experienced in some quarters across the State in the last few weeks would soon be a thing of the past as the State Government had already initiated a holistic way to address the situation.
“The State government is implementing new strategies to find a lasting solution to the problem of flooding but it is also important for residents to play their part by inculcating new attitudes towards civic obligations at all times, without which the efforts of government would be in futility.” the Commissioner reiterated.
While soliciting for the full cooperation of all the stakeholders especially, the LG and LCDAs to make the data collation exercise a success, the Commissioner used the occasion to warn residents of the State who have cultivated the habit of erecting structures in unauthorized places to comply with the State’s physical planning law.
Earlier, Mr. Solomon Olorunfemi, Team Leader and an Assistant Director in the Federal Ecological Fund Office, said that the visit would afford the team the opportunity to compile a comprehensive list of ecological challenges in Lagos State with a view to having the data bank of all ecological issues across all the LGAs.
While pointing out that federal government wants to know the extent of ecological effect on residents of the State for necessary assistance, Olorunfemi acknowledged the fact that the cosmopolitan nature of the State makes it susceptible to some natural occurrences including ecological challenges, stressing that it is the responsibility of Government to provide succour and render assistance to victims of ecological issues.
He disclosed further that the visit was part of the resolution reached by the Federal Executive Council in response to the agitations from some State Governors.
The Team is also expected to visit the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment to acquaint themselves with the ecological issues in the State as already documented by the Ministry.
Other members of the visiting team include Mallam Mamman Sani, Ms. Eme Cosmos and Mrs. Olowhu Otah.
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