By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The Lagos State Government has declared Sunday as a car free day.
It means residents are not expected to use their cars or drive vehicles but to walk.
The declaration is part of the awareness campaign to encourage people to walk for good health and also to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
The Lagos State Government will be collaborating with the the Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI) to achieve this aim.
There will be no enforcement on residents since the effort is a campaign gesture with expected voluntary actions.
The Government said it wants to “embrace active and inclusive means of transport, such as cycling and walking, known as Non-Motorised Transport (NMT).”
The State Transport Ministry said the measure will be implemented in some areas in Lagos.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi said the primary aim of the initiative is to raise awareness about the benefits of NMT.
Apart from curbing environmental pollution, it will focus on the health benefits of exercise for healthy living.
The World Health Organization (WHO), lists lack of physical exercise account for 6% of global deaths.
Across the world, September 22 every year is observed as “Car Free Day”