LASG APPRECIATES EFAG OPERATIVES, IMPLORE THEM TO REMAIN COMMITTED

The Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) members have been recognised by the Lagos State Government for their efforts in keeping Lagos free of flooding, and they have also been urged to increase their dedication in the upcoming year.

Speaking at the recent Alausa end-of-year celebration and award ceremony, Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources Mr. Tokunbo Wahab stated that the state government would keep providing the tools and assistance needed for improved service delivery.

The Commissioner said the team has been doing an excellent job cleaning up manholes and secondary drains in the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas around the state all year long. The Commissioner was speaking through Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Special Adviser on Environment.

He pointed out that Lagos State had not had any significant flooding in recent memory, citing the government’s many initiatives and the EFAG Team’s ongoing drain cleaning as the reasons for this.

In his own words: “I want to thank the EFAG team again for everything. Let me stress that the current administration will continue to support you and always put additional welfare packages in place for you; continue to work harder for a free flood and a sustainable environment. Without the team, Lagos will flood.

The EFAG team is still the pride of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, according to Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage and Water Resources Engr. Olalekan Shodeide, who also spoke. He said the team was established to act in emergency situations, particularly in order to guarantee the unhindered flow of all drainages.

He stated that at the end of the year, the government typically honours and grants monetary rewards to the team in a number of categories in an effort to inspire them and recognise their hard work.

He clarified that the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) and the Life Insurance Policy are two appropriate health insurance programmes that the government has set up for them, and that the required funding has also been allotted.

He stated that in order to ensure that Lagos is never again affected by flooding, the Ministry will always provide the assistance required for them to carry out their excellent work.

Prior to this, Dr. Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, emphasised that EFAG is accountable for cleaning drainage systems in all Local Governments and LCDA throughout the year to facilitate the flow of rainwater.

In order to create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment, he pushed the staff to stay focused on drainage maintenance rather than being complacent.

After reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 years in the Lagos State Government’s service, retiring Director of Drainage Maintenance and EFAG, Engr. Olalekan Ajani, was also sent forth during the event.

• The Environment family expressed gratitude to the departed Director for his enormous contribution to the accomplishments documented in the Ministry by means of the EFAG team and drainage maintenance in general. A number of award categories were given to exceptional EFAG team members from various zones, together with their coordinators.