…. Tokunbo Wahab emphasizes environmental solutions for public health
The Lagos State Government has announced its readiness to collaborate with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on the implementation of the Environmental Surveillance Programme (ESPN) in the state. The initiative aims to strengthen public health systems through early detection of outbreak-prone pathogens and better management of endemic diseases. Speaking during a courtesy visit by NCDC delegates led by Prof. Olatunji Kolawole, Consultant on Needs Assessment, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, highlighted the inseparable connection between health and the environment.
Wahab noted that Lagos was one of five states selected for the program’s Phase 2 pilot, adding that the multi-sectoral collaboration would create an effective early warning system for disease outbreaks. “I am glad we are having this collaboration at this level. Interestingly, for the THEME+ Agenda of this administration, the second pillar—Health and Environment—is crucial.
You cannot separate the effects of the environment on the health sector. If we fix the basics in the environmental ecosystem, we will reduce the costs of challenges faced in the health sector,” Wahab said. The ESPN program is designed to detect outbreak-prone pathogens, monitor disease patterns, support clinical surveillance, and guide vaccination strategies.
Wahab also referenced the ministry’s past collaborations with the Ministry of Health during the cholera outbreak, stressing that environmental improvements often eliminate health crises at the source. “Lagos believes the environment is the father of all. We need to fix what we have to fix, with the support of our agencies such as LASEPA, LASWMO, and LAWMA,” Wahab said.
He assured the NCDC of Lagos’ readiness to evaluate site requirements and provide resources critical for establishing effective environmental surveillance systems in the state. Prof. Kolawole commended the Lagos State Government for its cooperation, noting that the collaboration would ensure a smooth implementation of the ESPN program’s objectives. He pledged to work closely with state officials to conduct thorough site assessments and mobilize resources.
The meeting, held at the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja, was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Tunde Ajayi; General Manager, Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LASWMO), Engr. Femi Afolabi; and other senior ministry officials.
LagosToday Reports..
