• Shuts four orphanages over regulatory infractions
• Rehabilitates 1,268 mentally challenged, destitutes, others

Lagos State Government, yesterday, said that its statewide ban on single-use plastics that will come into effect on July 1, 2025, does not include pet bottles, water sachets and nylon carrier bags with more than 40 micron thickness.

The state’s Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, clarified in response to deliberate viral misrepresentations by some individuals claiming that the ban includes all categories of single-use plastics.

According to the commissioner, the state government’s position remains unchanged, stating that only single-use plastics consisting of styrofoam food packs and all forms of polystyrene cups (disposable) are banned.

He added that as part of efforts to demonstrate the state’s seriousness, the newly created Plastic Waste Management Fund had been inaugurated with a collaborative effort between the state government, producers and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs).

Wahab, however, reiterated the state government’s determination to proceed with the enforcement of the ban on July 1, 2025.

MEANWHILE, as part of efforts to ensure that children in Lagos State are raised in a safe and nurturing environment, the state government, through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, has shut four orphanages for non-compliance with established regulations in the last one year.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, disclosed this yesterday, during the ongoing media briefing to mark the second year of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

According to the commissioner, 68 orphanages were fully registered, while 45 others received provisional approvals after rigorous screening processes to ensure compliance with basic standards.

He noted that these approvals were meant to complement government-owned orphanages in caring for vulnerable children.

Ogunlende, however, reiterated that the ministry remains the sole authority for placing children in registered orphanages and warned against circumventing established protocols.

Similarly, the commissioner disclosed that over 1,200 vulnerable individuals, including mentally challenged persons, street children, and destitute individuals, were rescued and rehabilitated from different parts of the state over the past year.

He said the state’s rehabilitation interventions had transformed lives and restored dignity to some of the most marginalised members of the society, adding that one of the state government’s rehabilitation and training centres located in Majidun, currently accommodates over 1,268 residents undergoing therapy, with 552 individuals already reunited with their families.

Ogunlende further stated that the ministry runs specialisedcentres, such as the Tajudeen Olusi Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Centre in Ajah for women recovering from drug abuse, and the Isheri Centre for men undergoing substance rehabilitation—both of which have successfully reintegrated dozens of individuals.