Faith leaders have been called upon to play a more active role in promoting environmental sanitation by integrating waste management messages into their sermons and religious teachings.
The call was made during the 5th Annual Ramadan Public Lecture organised by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), held at its headquarters in Ijora-Olopa on Tuesday.
In his address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the annual lecture as an important platform for moral reflection and civic responsibility. He urged residents to extend the discipline, self-control, and virtues observed during Ramadan to environmental stewardship, emphasizing the need to desist from indiscriminate waste disposal.
He noted that maintaining a clean environment has a direct impact on public health, economic productivity, and overall well-being. He also stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between government agencies and faith-based institutions to enhance sanitation advocacy and encourage responsible waste management practices.
Represented by the Executive Director, Finance, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, the LAWMA boss further explained that aligning environmental responsibility with religious teachings would deepen public understanding and improve compliance with sanitation regulations.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji, commended LAWMA for sustaining the annual lecture and for leveraging faith-based platforms to promote environmental awareness and responsibility among residents.
Delivering the Ramadan lecture, the National Missioner of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Olanrewaju Ahmad, highlighted cleanliness and responsible stewardship as core Islamic principles. He described environmental sanitation as both a civic obligation and an act of faith.
He further recommended that religious institutions provide covered waste bins within their premises and develop structured environmental sanitation guides to support sermons. According to him, faith leaders are uniquely positioned to influence behavioural change and mobilise communities toward improved sanitation practices.
The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, who was represented at the event by the Whitecap Chiefs, also commended LAWMA for sustaining the initiative. Special prayers were offered for the continued success of the Authority, Lagos State, and the nation at large.
