Sanwo-Olu Picks Up Trash in Mushin — Leadership or Political Show?

Residents of Mushin witnessed an unusual scene when Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, and his deputy Obafemi Hamzat joined sanitation workers to clear refuse along the busy Mushin-Agege Motor Road.

The cleanup exercise was part of the state government’s move to reintroduce monthly environmental sanitation across Lagos.

Videos and photos circulating online show the governor and his deputy participating in the exercise while officials and residents watched. The move quickly sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians debating whether the gesture reflects genuine leadership or political symbolism.

Lagos Revives Monthly Sanitation

The sanitation program, which used to be a regular part of life in Lagos years ago, is now making a return as the government pushes to improve environmental hygiene in the state.

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Officials say the exercise will now take place on the last Saturday of every month, encouraging residents to clean their surroundings and properly dispose of waste.

The initiative is part of efforts to tackle:

• Poor waste disposal

• Blocked drainage systems

• Flooding during heavy rains

• Environmental pollution in densely populated areas

Authorities believe restoring the sanitation culture will help reduce health risks and improve the overall cleanliness of the city.

No Movement Restrictions

Unlike the old sanitation system in Nigeria, residents will not be forced to stay indoors during the exercise.

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Previous attempts to restrict movement during sanitation hours were challenged in court, so the government says the new approach will focus more on voluntary participation and public awareness.

Mixed Reactions From Nigerians

The images of Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat clearing refuse have generated mixed reactions online.

Some Nigerians praised the gesture, saying it shows leaders setting an example.

Others, however, argued that real change should focus more on fixing the waste management system rather than symbolic cleanups.

For many Lagos residents, the bigger question remains whether the revived sanitation exercise will truly solve the city’s long-standing waste problems.

The Bigger Conversation

The sanitation campaign also highlights a broader issue facing many Nigerian cities rapid population growth and increasing waste generation.

With Lagos being one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa, environmental experts say sustainable waste management policies will be critical in the years ahead.

For now, the sight of the governor and his deputy clearing refuse has succeeded in doing one thing: getting people talking again about cleanliness and civic responsibility in Lagos.

Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Obafemi Hamzat tackle refuse in Mushin as Lagos reintroduces monthly sanitation.

pic.twitter.com/vYdlxgggsC

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) March 14, 2026