Ekiti State Government has issued a stern warning to religious institutions across the state, urging churches, mosques, and other places of worship to desist from sheltering individuals who violate environmental sanitation laws, particularly during the state’s monthly sanitation exercise.
Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, gave the warning during the May edition of the environmental sanitation exercise held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
According to the Commissioner, there is a growing trend of some worship centers—particularly those situated in markets and commercial areas—providing cover for individuals seeking to evade the mandatory cleanup exercise. She emphasized that such practices will no longer be tolerated.
“The law is clear, and no one is above it. Any church, mosque, or religious center found harboring sanitation offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” she stated.
Aluko-Ajisafe also condemned recent cases of assault on environmental officers during the exercise, warning that anyone found harassing or obstructing enforcement agents will be prosecuted.
She called on residents to cooperate with the government by properly disposing of waste using the Dino bins placed strategically across the state, warning that indiscriminate dumping remains a punishable offense.
During the May sanitation exercise, no fewer than 30 individuals were apprehended for various offenses, including failure to participate and illegal dumping of refuse. They were arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti and sentenced to one month of community service, with an option of a fine.
Reiterating the state government’s commitment to a cleaner, healthier environment, the Commissioner called for the support of all stakeholders, including religious and community leaders.
“The responsibility of maintaining a clean environment is a collective one. Let us all join hands to build a cleaner, more hygienic Ekiti,” she concluded.