By Grace Edema
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has urged residents to prioritise peaceful and quiet environments, warning that rising noise pollution poses serious health risks across Lagos.
A statement signed by LASEPA on Thursday said the call was made during the grand finale of the agency’s Inter-District Essay and Debate Competition held at the State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, to mark the 2026 International Noise Awareness Day, themed “Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Health.”
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Environment, Rotimi Akodu, said noise pollution should no longer be treated as a mere disturbance but as a major public health concern.
“Residents must prioritise peaceful environment. Noise pollution is not just a nuisance; it is a serious public health issue,” he said.
Citing global health standards, he warned, “Prolonged exposure to noise above 65 decibels can lead to hypertension, stress, and hearing loss. In Lagos, nighttime residential noise is capped at 55 decibels, and this must be respected,” he said through his representative, Olu Adeyo.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokumu Adebite, who was represented by Olaniyan Taiwo, commended LASEPA for engaging students in environmental advocacy.
She said, “Excessive noise disrupts concentration, impairs learning, and reduces academic productivity. “This initiative is critical in shaping responsible future citizens.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Adeyinka Sorungbe, who was represented by Mrs Oluremi Ashiru, emphasised that tackling noise pollution required collective responsibility.
“While technology drives economic growth, it also contributes to noise through generators, industrial machines, transport systems, and even digital devices.
“Government must enforce regulations, industries must develop quieter technologies, and citizens must adopt responsible practices,” he added.
In his welcome address, LASEPA General Manager, Tunde Ajayi, said the state’s dense population and vibrant economy had intensified noise levels, with consequences for public health.
“Noise pollution in Lagos is linked to hearing loss, sleep disruption, and reduced quality of life.
“We are engaging students, religious organisations, event planners, and construction workers to promote responsible behaviour,” Ajayi said.
He described the debate as a strategic effort to raise awareness among young people.
“These students are powerful change agents who can influence their communities positively,” Ajayi noted.
Head of the agency’s Noise Control Unit, Mrs Abosede Natufe, added that the global observance provides a platform to educate the public.
“International Noise Awareness Day helps draw attention to the effects of noise in homes, religious centres, restaurants, and public spaces. Engaging young people is critical because of their capacity for critical thinking and community influence,” she said.
The highlight of the event was a keenly contested debate among secondary school students from the state’s six education districts on the topic, “Technology and Noise: Who Bears the Responsibility and Consequences?”
Modele Olufemi of Alimosho Senior Grammar School emerged overall winner with 373 points, followed closely by Bello Awwal of Obele Community Senior High School with 368 points, while Onaolapo Olabiyi of Lagos State Senior Model College, Kanko, placed third with 339 points.
The top three winners will be honoured at the agency’s Noiseless Lagos Advocacy Programme scheduled for May 12, 2026, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium.
The event also featured free hearing tests for participants, reinforcing the agency’s message on the importance of hearing protection and healthier sound environments.
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
