The Ekiti State Government has commended the level of compliance recorded during the January edition of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise across the state.
The State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Tunde Balogun, stated that environmental sanitation is a collective responsibility, emphasizing the need for everyone to play his part in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable and hygienic environment, warning that violators of sanitation laws would continue to face penalties as part of efforts to enforce compliance.
Aluko-Ajisafe explained that the enforcement of sanitation laws and regulations is a proactive measure by the state government to prevent disease outbreaks resulting from poor hygiene practices.
The Director of Environmental Health and Sanitation, Mr. Ayodele Aluko disclosed that no fewer than 25 individuals were apprehended for violating environmental health and sanitation laws during the exercise.
The offenders were prosecuted at the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti and sentenced to one month of community service with an option of paying a fine.
In her ruling, Magistrate Olubunmi Bamidele stated that the offenders failed to adhere to the state’s environmental sanitation guidelines, stressing that such negligence poses a serious threat to public health and environmental safety.
She emphasized the importance of strict adherence to sanitation laws to prevent the spread of diseases and create a healthier living environment for all residents.
Meanwhile, the State government has called on community leaders and stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns on the importance of environmental hygiene and encourage active participation during designated sanitation periods.
It reiterated its resolve to sustain the monthly sanitation exercise and ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.
