In a bid to prevent future cholera outbreaks and strengthen community resilience, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has launched a public sensitisation initiative targeting informal food and water vendors, along with waste handlers, in Ikorodu, a flood-prone area of Lagos.
EpeInsights learnt that the initiative, part of Project 240236, is a collaborative effort between LASEPA, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and the Government of Japan.
The project focuses on equipping key community stakeholders with knowledge and tools to prevent cholera in high-risk areas.
The sensitisation seminar, which took place at Magrellos Hall on Ayangburen Road, drew a large and diverse crowd of participants, including grassroots workers, health officials, and informal sector vendors.
Flooding, open defecation and poor sanitation infrastructure have made areas like Ikorodu particularly vulnerable to waterborne diseases such as cholera. Lagos, a coastal megacity, faces additional challenges due to a high water table and the presence of rivers that can quickly carry contaminants into household water supplies.
“Even shallow wells, which many homes depend on, are at risk of pollution from nearby waste and sewage,” warned Mr. Omobolaji Tajudeen Gaji, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of the Environment, who was represented by Dr. Hassan Sanuth, Director of Environmental Sanitation.
Mr. Gaji pointed out that the majority of cholera cases stem from the consumption of contaminated water and food a problem made worse by Lagos’ booming population and overstretched infrastructure. He emphasized the urgent need for public education and behavioural change in affected communities.
General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, (represented by Mrs. Abdulwarees Solanke, Director of Research and Development), highlighted the seminar as part of LASEPA’s broader emergency response and capacity-building strategy.
“Food and water vendors are central to the community’s health. Their daily practices have a direct impact on public safety,” he said.
“Empowering them with hygiene education, food safety tips, and clean water practices is critical.”
Dr. Ajayi also acknowledged the support of UNIDO and the Government of Japan, whose funding and technical backing made the project possible.
Reflecting on the serious cholera outbreak that affected 18 Local Government Areas last year, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health (represented by Mrs. Beatrice Adeyemo), stressed the importance of community hygiene.
“That outbreak, traced to contaminated tiger nuts, showed how easily a few unsafe practices can lead to widespread illness and death,” he said.
He applauded the inter-agency coordination that helped manage the crisis and urged residents to remain vigilant, practice safe food and water handling, and report unhygienic conditions promptly.
UNIDO’s Field Coordinator, Mr. Charles Uzoma, explained that informal vendors were identified as a critical but often overlooked link in the fight against cholera.
“This project was launched after LASEPA reached out during the last outbreak,” he said.
“Our goal is to close gaps in knowledge and practices within the informal sector, which plays a huge role in food and water distribution.”
He assured attendees that the project would continue to provide technical support and training to help vendors adopt safer practices.
The seminar ended with a strong appeal to all stakeholders to uphold hygiene standards, manage waste responsibly, and collaborate with authorities to protect public health.
Participants left equipped with practical tools and knowledge, from proper handwashing techniques to safe water sourcing and food preparation methods. The event reinforced that effective disease prevention depends not only on infrastructure, but on informed, empowered communities.
