INTERNATIONAL NOISE AWARENESS DAY: LASEPA TAKES ADVOCACY TO SCHOOLS
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has celebrated the Year 2022 International Noise Awareness Day (lNAD) with the extension of its noise advocacy drive to Secondary Schools in the State.
Speaking at Agidingbi Junior and Senior Grammar School, Ikeja, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, described the celebration as unique, taking into cognisance the huge impact that the sensitisation will have on students.
Stating that the event took place simultaneously in 20 Secondary Schools in Lagos State, Dr. Fasawe informed that the International Noise Awareness Day is a worldwide campaign created to educate students and the general public about the impact of noise on health and quality of life.
The General Manager stated that this year’s edition has been tagged “Keep the Noise Down, For a Serene Learning Environment”, noting that LASEPA’s objective is to improve the awareness of the need to control noise in the city and educate students about the harmful effects of noise pollution.
Her words: “The Agency, in collaboration with Audiologists, is focused on identifying, assessing and managing disorders of hearing and balance of other neural systems. Findings from tests conducted over time have shown so much need for urgent action by the State Government. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is concerned about the negative impact of noise on both the hearing and general wellbeing of the citizens, particularly students who are leaders of tomorrow”.
“As the State Government continues to promote hearing protection and celebrate the importance of quietness, let us join hands with the present administration to achieve a ‘Noiseless Lagos’ and a Smart City that is serene and calm for all”, she added.
Lamenting how noise has become very prevalent in the environment, causing stress with severe health implications to both young and old, Dr. Fasawe explained that long-term exposure to noise causes hearing loss, which is detrimental to human health.
She maintained that noise pollution remains the major leading public complaint received by LASEPA daily, ranging from infractions from religious activities, commercial and entertainment industry, dog barking, generators, and classroom noise amongst others.
While speaking on the essence of taking the campaign to schools, the General Manager stated that the school advocacy on noise pollution became pertinent and strategic to ensure that students take the message home to parents, family members and friends as everyone works towards achieving a ‘Noiseless Lagos’ and a School environment that is conducive for learning.
The highlight of the campaign was the installation of the ‘No Noise’ signage in all the 20 schools where the advocacy took place across the State.