Lagos State has joined the rest of the world to commemorate Y2021 World Hand Washing Day, restating the message of proper hygiene by all and sundry always.
Speaking at the handover of a handwashing bay located at Adaranijo Market Bariga, as part of activities marking the Day, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Olalekan Shodeinde, said the present administration places a premium on personal hygiene to keep diseases at bay.
Shodeinde, who was represented by the Director, Drainage Enforcement and Compliance, Engr. Mahmood Adegbite, added that the theme for the Y2021 Global Hand Washing Day: “Our Future is at Hand, Let’s Move Forward Together”, is very apt because it gives an opportunity for the long-awaited drive to leave no one behind in the State Government’s Sustainable Development Agenda on healthy living.
Addressing the audience made up of Market men and women, Shodeinde explained that germs are everywhere and as such, washing the hands with soap and water frequently is the best practice that can prevent all from contracting any kind of infection or disease.
According to him, everyone should always bear in mind that health is wealth and, therefore, embrace frequent washing of hands with water and soap in order to avert the spread of germs and ensure a healthy environment.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that the present administration is at the forefront of the initiative to promote proper hygiene amongst the citizenry and supports the move to achieve a cleaner, healthier and safer environment.
The Director, Water Resources, Engr. Omolanke Taiwo, stated that Global Handwashing Day is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding the importance of handwashing with soap always.
“This year’s theme focuses on coordinated action for us to actively work together towards universal hand hygiene. It reminds us to make handwashing a part of everyday life, especially at critical times”, she said
She said the COVID-19 pandemic provides a stark reminder that one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of diseases is hand hygiene, and it is critically important that handwashing remains a priority now and beyond the pandemic.
Engr. Taiwo mentioned that the constructed handwashing bay with multiple taps at Adaranijo market in Bariga LCDA would be maintained by the customers, traders and associations within the market, adding that two others will also be constructed at Oluwo Market in Epe and Agbalata Market in Badagry.
In her remark, the Iya Oloja General of Bariga LCDA, Adaranijo Market, Bariga, Mrs. Iyabo Olaniwun, expressed appreciation to the State Government for the initiative and promised that traders would take ownership of the handwashing bay and ensure it is put to good use.
