The Lagos State Government has officially sealed off a construction site designated for a proposed cemetery located within the Bode Thomas residential area of Surulere. This decisive action followed strong resistance and protests from residents of the Natufe and Animashaun community, who voiced deep environmental and health concerns over the project. On Saturday morning, despite heavy rainfall, concerned residents gathered in a peaceful demonstration, carrying placards and expressing their dissatisfaction. According to them, the establishment of a cemetery within a densely populated residential environment poses serious risks to public health and sanitation. They warned that the burial ground could potentially contaminate underground water sources, including the boreholes that many residents rely on for drinking water and domestic use. Such contamination, they argued, could expose the community to severe health issues. Several demonstrators also urged the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to intervene swiftly and ensure that the site remains permanently sealed to prevent future health crises. Residents further emphasized that while they respect the need for burial grounds within the city, placing a cemetery in a closely populated residential zone violates urban planning standards and endangers both the environment and the wellbeing of inhabitants. In response to the public protest, Lagos State environmental officials promptly visited the area to assess the situation. After evaluating the residents’ complaints and inspecting the site, authorities sealed the property to stop further construction activities pending official review. This move by the Lagos State Government highlights its continued commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring that development projects within residential zones comply with the state’s urban and environmental safety standards. As of the time of filing this report, the government has yet to announce whether the proposed cemetery project will be relocated or permanently scrapped.
The Ogun State Government has collaborated with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to train stakeholders and technical staff from the Ministries of Environment and Transportation, Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Vehicle Inspection Officers, and Fire and Safety Officers on the upcoming large-scale conversion of PMS vehicles to CNG-powered vehicles in the state. This initiative follows the state’s recent adoption of CNG buses and electric bikes as part of its transportation network, aligning with the Presidential Initiative (Pi-CNG) aimed at transitioning to cleaner and alternative fuel sources. Ola Oresanya, the Commissioner for Environment, highlighted during the workshop that converting vehicles to CNG power not only lowers transportation costs but also reduces carbon emissions and enhances air quality. He emphasized that with this partnership and training, Ogun State is committed to strengthening its leading position in establishing safety procedures for CNG vehicle retrofitting and spearheading the use of CNG-powered trucks and electric tricycles for public transportation across the country. Engr. Gbenga Dairo, the Commissioner for Transportation, reiterated the administration’s dedication to supporting the initiative, noting that strict regulations and enforcement are essential for ensuring a safe environment. SON’s Director General, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso, represented by Director of Laboratory Services David Ikhebome, along with Safety Plus Managing Director Omolara Odebunmi, expressed their commitment to improving the quality of CNG products and stressed the importance of ongoing training for stakeholders and technical personnel on CNG safety and application across various vehicles. Both representatives commended the Ogun State government for its proactive leadership in promoting this initiative. READ ALSO: Equatorial Guinea First Lady Demands Action After ANIF Scandal
