“Sanitation exercise is not limited to movement restrictions, but it requires active participation from residents in cleaning their surroundings”
Ekiti prosecutes 50 violators of sanitation law, warns okada riders
By John Odunayo
No fewer than 50 persons were arrested and prosecuted for violation of environmental laws in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Saturday.
This was as the state government warned commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as okada operators, to comply with environmental laws, particularly restrictions on movement during the monthly sanitation exercise.
Also an environmental non-governmental organisation supported efforts to maintain a cleaner and flood-free environment by clearing debris from drainage channels at Oja Oba in Ado Ekiti.
The Commissioner for Environment, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, who issued the warning to okada operators, expressed concern that the activities of some riders were disrupting operations.
She said, “Adherence to environmental regulations is critical to maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Okada riders must cooperate fully with government directives”.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr Sunday Omoya, said “sanitation exercise is not limited to movement restrictions, but it requires active participation from residents in cleaning their surroundings”.
He added that the task force made provisions for candidates sitting the JAMB mock examination, allowing them free movement during the exercise.
Omoya urged residents to adopt regular sanitation practices as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The sanitation task force, led by the Director of Environmental Health and Sanitation in the ministry, Ayodele Aluko, monitored compliance in areas including Nova Road, Adebayo, Basiri, Ile Abiye, Okesa and Fajuyi, where authorities recorded a high level of compliance.
