The Ekiti State Government has commenced a large-scale fumigation of major dumpsites and markets across Ado Ekiti, following complaints from residents about a persistent, unidentified odour in parts of the state capital.
The Director General of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority, Sunkanmi Onipede, who supervised the exercise on Sunday, described the move as a proactive measure to protect public health while investigations continue to determine the source of the smell.
He explained that the intervention was ordered by Governor Biodun Oyebanji after widespread concerns over air quality in affected areas of Ado Ekiti.
According to Onipede, the fumigation covers refuse dumps, open drainage channels, and densely populated markets where poor waste disposal practices could pose serious environmental and health risks.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Waste Management Authority, Adekunle Tawose, said the state government could not afford to delay action in the face of potential health hazards. He added that environmental health experts are being engaged to ensure the exercise is carried out in line with safety standards.
Tawose urged residents to remain calm, report any unusual environmental developments to the Ministry of Environment, and avoid unnecessary panic.
Market leaders at Oja Oba, Awedele, Oja Bisi, Mojere, and Irona markets commended the government’s prompt response, while also calling on traders to support the initiative by maintaining cleanliness and avoiding indiscriminate waste disposal.
