25th March, 2020
The Corps Marshal of Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), Retired CP Gbemisola Akinpelu, has reiterated the readiness of the agency to ensure compliance with the state government’s directives to stem the spread of coronavirus pandemic.
Akinpelu made this known in a statement issued by Head, Public Affairs Unit of the agency, Mr. Adebayo Kehinde and made available to newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday.
According to her, there is a need for compliance following the various measures put in place to break the cycle of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, such as the closure of all open markets and stalls for seven days.
She mentioned that the seven days would start from Thursday, March 26 and the earlier directives that the state’s civil servants from Grade Levels 1 to 12 should stay off offices for a period of 14 days as well as compliance with social distancing,
Akinpelu said that the agency was part of the essential service providers and enforcement team of the Lagos State Government.
She noted that in the light of this, she had directed all operatives to remain at their duty posts to ensure that these directives were strictly adhered to.
“As it is aimed toward ensuring the safety of lives against the coronavirus pandemic in the state.
“I implore all operators of non-food and non-medical stores/markets to close down their outlets as directed by the state government from March 26.
“The agency along with other enforcement and security personnel will ensure strict compliance, being one of our statutory roles,” Akinpelu said.
She urged market leaders to also scale up the advocacy on the need to maintain environmental cleanliness around the markets and encourage personal hygiene among members and other market users.
The corps marshal said that market leaders should ensure they engage in regular handwashing with soap and water as well as regular use of hand sanitisers and nose masks.
She added that traders should always consult the nearest hospital for any ailment to ensure that the spread of the virus was curtailed as our markets harboured influx of people.
Akinpelu said that LAGESC District Commanders had been directed to sustain regular advocacy in the markets to ensure strict compliance with social distancing and other preventive measures as outlined by the state government and other concerned agencies.
She also reiterated the need for all and sundry to adhere to the directives issued by the state government which banned public gatherings that include religious and social gatherings of not more than 20 persons.
She, therefore, said that LAGESC officers would continue regular enforcement and monitoring of social distancing.
Akinpelu said the agency would also ensure strict compliance with important health tips across the state and with highest level of safety precautions.
The corps marshal, however, urged Lagos residents in line with the directives of Gov. Sanwo-Olu to embrace social distancing, stay at home and limit their contact with people to curb the spread of the virus.