Religious leaders have been urged to champion environmental sanitation by integrating waste management messages into their sermons.
Eko Hot News reports that the charge was given at the 5th Annual Ramadan Public Lecture organised by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) at its headquarters in Ijora-Olopa.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the annual lecture as a platform for moral reflection and civic responsibility.
He urged residents to extend the discipline and virtues of Ramadan to environmental stewardship.
Gbadegesin warned against indiscriminate waste disposal, noting that a clean environment directly impacts public health and productivity.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government and faith-based institutions.
Speaking through the Executive Director, Finance, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, he said linking environmental responsibility to religious teachings improves public compliance.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji, commended LAWMA for sustaining the initiative.
He noted that faith-based engagement remains vital in promoting environmental consciousness across communities.
Delivering the lecture, National Missioner of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Olanrewaju Ahmad, emphasised that cleanliness is a core Islamic principle.
He described environmental sanitation as both a civic duty and an act of faith.
Ahmad urged religious institutions to maintain covered waste bins within their premises.
He also recommended structured environmental guides to support sermons.
According to him, faith leaders are strategic partners in driving behavioural change and community mobilisation.
The Rilwan Akiolu, represented by Whitecap Chiefs, commended LAWMA for sustaining the annual lecture.
Special prayers were offered for LAWMA, Lagos State and the nation.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sanitation within their congregations.
The event underscored the role of religious institutions in strengthening environmental advocacy.
LAWMA reiterated its resolve to deepen partnerships that support a cleaner Lagos.
