Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has endorsed a tech-driven initiative aimed at improving access to clean public sanitation facilities across the state.
Wahab disclosed this on Tuesday following a meeting with a young innovator, Adetokunbo Ogunnoiki, and his startup partner, Ademola Gbadero, whose idea recently gained traction on social media.
According to the commissioner, the duo developed a digital platform that leverages geo-mapping technology to help Lagos residents locate clean and accessible public toilets in real time.
The proposed solution includes features such as cleanliness ratings, walking directions, and estimated arrival times.
“I met with Adetokunbo Ogunnoiki, a young graduate of mathematics from the University of Ibadan, and his startup partner Ademola Gbadero, after his viral post on X caught my attention,” Wahab said.
He added, “They proposed a tech platform that uses geo mapping to help Lagosians locate clean and available public toilets in real time, with features like cleanliness ratings, walking directions, and estimated arrival times. They have already deployed a similar solution on their university campus with success.”
Wahab said he convened a meeting with key government officials to assess the proposal, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS, Olajide Babatunde, and the Director of Sanitation Services, Hassan Sanuth.
“I invited them in, listened to their presentation alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, and the Director of Sanitation Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth. Fascinated by the idea and impressed by their depth of work, I approved the proposal on the spot and requested a comprehensive budget for the next meeting in a few days,” he added.
The commissioner noted that the initiative aligns with the administration’s broader environmental goals under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, particularly efforts to promote a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos.
“This project will further bolster our drive for a cleaner Lagos under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration. We welcome objective criticism that offers solutions, not outright condemnation, insults and curses. Governance is about collective solutions and empowering the next generation,” Wahab stated.
The proposed platform, if fully implemented, is expected to enhance sanitation accessibility, improve public health outcomes, and encourage citizen participation in maintaining hygiene standards across Lagos.
