Ekiti State Government has intensified efforts to tackle the persistent offensive odour perceived in parts of Ado-Ekiti and neighbouring communities, with stakeholders calling for stronger enforcement, scientific investigations and public sensitisation to curb environmental pollution.
Speaking during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting on environmental health, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting public health and ensuring a safe environment.
She disclosed that the government had intensified sanitary inspections, conducted fumigation exercises, engaged relevant stakeholders and commenced the arrest and prosecution of individuals linked to environmental pollution.
Aluko-Ajisafe urged residents, community leaders, religious organisations and NGOs to support government efforts by promoting proper sanitation and reporting activities capable of causing environmental hazards, warning that violators of environmental laws would face sanctions.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sunday Omoya, said the meeting was convened to identify and address the source of the strange odour reported in parts of the state capital.
Officials from the Ministry of Health and Human Services revealed that offensive odours had been reported in several locations within and outside Ado-Ekiti, mostly during late-night and early morning hours.
The Director of Public Health, Abayomi Ibrahim, noted that some residents had complained of symptoms such as headaches and nausea due to the pungent smell. Stakeholders at the meeting stressed the need for broader investigations beyond waste management activities, citing possible contributions from manufacturing operations, chemical processing, mining activities and indiscriminate waste disposal into waterways.
Security agencies, including the Police, NSCDC and NDLEA, pledged support for enforcement efforts and called for stronger environmental laws, increased inspections and sustained public enlightenment campaigns.
The General Manager of the State Waste Management Authority disclosed that inspections had been carried out at dump sites and waste management facilities, adding that no direct source of the odour had yet been identified.
The government also assured residents that early morning monitoring operations and plans for proper sewage management would be sustained, while members of the public were encouraged to report cases of environmental pollution through the Ministry’s designated hotlines: 08000606606, or alternative numbers 08111114622, 08111114633 and 08111114644.
Residents can also contact the Environmental Officers from the Ministry directly through 08062326692 and 08032132076
