The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and the Government of Japan have launched an urgent two-day training workshop aimed at curbing the spread of the disease.
EpeInsights reports that the partnership is in response to a recent cholera outbreak in parts of Lagos.
The “Training of Trainers” (ToT) workshop, held at NECA House in Alausa, Ikeja, is part of a larger project funded by Japan to build emergency capacity among some of the most at-risk groups in the state, informal food and water vendors and waste workers especially in flood-hit areas.
LASEPA’s General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, opened the event with a powerful reminder: “This isn’t just a training. It’s an emergency response. We’re already applying what we’re learning to protect our communities.”
He highlighted the urgent need for action, especially in regions like Badagry and Ikorodu, where poor sanitation and dense populations are fueling vulnerability to the outbreak.
Dr. Ajayi also extended his gratitude to the Japanese Government for its timely support and to UNIDO for facilitating the programme. He encouraged participants to take the training seriously, as the knowledge gained will be used immediately in affected communities.
Oluyomi Banjo, UNIDO’s National Programme Coordinator, underscored the broader goal: “This project isn’t just about cholera prevention—it’s about dignity and resilience. Vendors and waste workers are essential to our cities, yet they often lack the training to protect public health.”
The training sessions featured insights from international and local experts. Ms. Su Zar Chi Lwin from Kyushu University in Japan shared global best practices on cholera prevention, while Dr. Adedayo Aderibigbe, a public health consultant, covered Lagos-specific challenges and demonstrated safe practices in food and water handling.
Participants also took part in hands-on role-playing and real-world scenarios to build confidence in spreading cholera prevention messages within their communities.
According to Mrs. Adebayo Adedayo, LASEPA’s Director of Environmental Sustainability, the goal is not just to train health educators—but to drive real behavior change among vendors and waste handlers, reducing the risk of further cholera transmission.
This collaborative effort sends a strong message: fighting disease outbreaks requires global partnerships, proactive training, and a deep commitment to community health. With LASEPA experts now better equipped, the next step is taking this life-saving knowledge directly to the frontlines across flood-prone parts of Lagos.
