The Festival Town Residents Association (FTRA) Community 1 in FESTAC Town, Lagos, has been urged to take greater responsibility for the development and safety of their neighbourhood by participating in environmental sanitation, physical wellness, security vigilance, and protection of public infrastructure.

The appeal was made during the community’s monthly general meeting and sanitation exercise where residents and stakeholders discussed ways to address growing security concerns and environmental challenges.

Convener of EcoFit Festac Town and FTRA executive, Irikefe Ako Edeme, while speaking at the meeting, said that the EcoFit initiative combines exercise with environmental sanitation to encourage residents to actively participate in keeping the community clean.

She noted that many residents limit cleaning to the front of their homes, leaving the wider environment unattended to.

“Introducing exercise before the sanitation activities was intended to attract more residents and make participation more engaging. In the past, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) handled sweeping of roads and environmental maintenance, but that is no longer happening regularly. FESTAC belongs to all of us, and we must take responsibility for keeping it clean,” Irikefe said.

Also, Secretary of FTRA Community 1, Justice Unanka, noted that monthly meetings provide a platform to discuss electricity supply, road conditions, security, and other community needs.

He also emphasised initiatives, such as EcoFit and the Youth Vanguard Against Drug Abuse, aimed at addressing social and environmental challenges.

Similarly, Assistant Women Coordinator, Ibiso Dokubo, said the sanitation exercise would continue regularly to improve cleanliness and foster cooperation among residents.

She also highlighted ongoing efforts to complete the FTRA Town Hall and Secretariat, which will serve as a central venue for meetings, social gatherings, and community activities.

A special guest at the meeting, Stella Foluke Osafile of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Amuwo-Odofin Constituency l, emphasised collective responsibility in protecting public infrastructure.

Osafile, who cited the recent theft of six solar streetlights and several manhole covers in the area, donated cash and 70 solar light remote controls for the maintenance of solar streetlights, and commended residents for attending the meeting despite low turnout.

Earlier, Zone 2 Coordinator, Jones Chukwubike, raised concerns over theft and vandalism, revealing that household items, more than 15 manhole covers, and several solar-powered streetlights had been stolen.

He also highlighted issues like noise pollution, unauthorised persons sleeping in public spaces, and mentally unstable individuals roaming the neighbourhood.

Acting Chairman, Chief Azunna Nwaogu, urged residents to actively participate in community activities, remain vigilant, watch out for neighbours, and beautify the environment with trees and flowers protected by iron guards.

Also, Chairman of J1 Close and Coordinator of Zone 3, Marley Kudu, encouraged residents to maintain a clean and secure environment and advised youths to acquire vocational skills to remain productive and reduce crime.