……Exercise to hold on Thursdays

Ekiti State Government has announced the commencement of compulsory weekly Sanitation Exercise that will hold on Thursdays in all markets across the State.

The State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe who stated this during a meeting with market leaders, including the Iyaloja and Iyalajes’ in Ado Ekiti, said the initiative is part of efforts of the State Government to enhance cleanliness and environmental hygiene in markets across the State .

She said the exercise which is similar to what operates in Lagos State would start with effect from March 14th, 2024, during which all market activities would be temporarily suspended between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., allowing for thorough cleaning of market environment and maintenance of infrastructure in the markets.

The Commissioner appreciated the invited stakeholders for their cooperation and emphasized the need for collective efforts to maintain a clean environment in all markets and all parts of the State.

She highlighted the support of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, pledging continued government assistance to the Ministry’s initiatives.

Addressing specific concerns, the Commissioner pointed out the need to clear the littered medians around Mojere market and urged market leaders to ensure compliance with sanitation regulations.

Erelu Ajisafe warned of prosecution for offenders and mandated various markets to nominate monitors from within the market communities who will provide credible information about environmental sanitation law violators within the market to the Ministry’s Task Force.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Babatunde Alokan, acknowledged the market leaders’ support in previous sanitation exercises and underscored the importance of maintaining a clean environment in order to prevent outbreak of diseases.

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He urged vigilance against nonchalant attitudes, particularly in areas such as Okesa market.

The Director of Environmental Health and Sanitation Mr. Tunde Balogun, outlined government’s efforts to improve sanitation, including waste evacuation and hygiene programmes modeled after Lagos State.

He emphasized the need for collective responsibility and appealed for market leaders’ support in maintaining cleanliness.

The Iyaloja General, Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs) Habitat Ogunjobi affirmed readiness to collaborate with the Ministry and warned against non-compliance.

After the meeting, the State Commissioner, Environmental Officers and Iyalojas went for an on the spot assessment of Mojere market, where traders were warned to desist from littering the median and mandated to clean their stalls and adjoining drainages