Posted by The Ekiti State Government has urged residents to stop dismissing environmental hygiene issues in order to prevent an upsurge in illness and mortality in the state.
Monisade Afuye, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, issued the warning on Saturday while overseeing the monthly environmental sanitation program in Usi-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area.
The Deputy Governor went to Ikere, Ido/Osi, Isokan LCDA, Irepodun/Ifelodun, and Ado Local Government Areas to ensure that the environmental sanitation policy was followed.
In a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, Afuye bemoaned the low level of participation in the program, which is aimed primarily at guaranteeing cleanliness and preventing infectious diseases that might shorten people’s lives.
The Deputy Governor expressed disappointment with the low spirits and attitudes with which residents in the towns visited engaged in the exercise, stating that there was a need for aggressive awareness and reorientation to avoid health concerns in Ekiti.
She stated that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji would no longer tolerate anyone roaming the streets and peddling things during the environmental exercise, calling it a gross violation of the Environmental Law.
The Deputy Governor also reminded commercial drivers and motorcycle riders to always follow the norms and regulations governing environmental sanitation.
“In every town and local government we visited, we witnessed farmers trekking to their farms and traders showcasing their items for business activity. Even drivers and motorcyclists were working in the parks, which is not permitted.
“The goal of this exercise is to avoid the spread of infectious diseases that cause deaths and disease in Ekiti. The government of Biodun Oyebanji does not want any citizen to die prematurely.
“Available information by local and worldwide organisations classified Ekiti as having the longest life expectancy in Nigeria and we shouldn’t sacrifice our health issues to diminish this good rating.
“We beg to you to always comply, health is riches. If you are in good health, you will not spend money on children’s school fees, new dwellings, or eating healthy food if you are in a health crisis.
“This programme is for your own good and for the good of Ekiti. Let there be improved compliance by February”.
In their submissions, the Chairmen of Isokan LCDA, Mr Olumide Fadipe and Ido/Osi Local Government, Dr Sola Ogunsina, lauded the government for being painstaking in monitoring the exercise.
They promised to always educate the people on the need to prioritize a clean environment and healthy lifestyles, pledging to work assiduously to ensure improvement in the subsequent exercises.