Oluyole LG revives weekly environmental sanitation, takes sensitization campaign to grassroots

The Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, has intensified efforts to promote a cleaner and safer environment across various communities with the revival of the weekly environmental sanitation exercise.

This was as he officially launched grassroots sensitization campaign geared towards mobilising residents for active participation in the exercise.

The campaign commenced on Friday at the Toll Gate market in Ibadan, where the council chairman engaged traders, community leaders and other stakeholders on the need to embrace environmental cleanliness and strengthen community-based security measures.

The sensitisation meeting, which attracted market men and women as well as traditional market leaders, culminated in a number of far-reaching resolutions structured to improve public health, security and environmental sustainability within the area.

Among the resolutions reached were the commitment to improve sanitation standards across the community, strengthen security architecture, establish a joint sanitation and security task force, and reintroduce a weekly environmental sanitation exercise to ensure regular cleaning of public spaces and business premises.

The initiative, according to the Council boss, forms part of the local government’s strategy to restore environmental discipline while promoting stronger collaboration between residents, traders and government in addressing sanitation and security concerns.

Speaking during the engagement, Olatunji stressed that environmental sanitation should be regarded as a collective responsibility rather than the sole duty of government.

Olatunji stated that the renewed environmental sanitation campaign is expected to be extended to other communities and markets across Oluyole Local Government as part of the council’s efforts to promote a healthier environment, strengthen community policing and encourage citizens’ participation in local governance.

According to him, the consequences of poor sanitation extend beyond individuals who litter the environment, noting that outbreaks of communicable diseases affect entire communities regardless of social or economic status.

“A clean environment should be everyone’s major concern because when the consequences of a dirty environment arise, it affects everyone. Diseases do not affect only those who litter the environment; they spread to the entire community,” he said.

The council chairman urged residents, traders and business owners to prioritise cleanliness by maintaining hygienic surroundings, disposing of waste properly and participating actively in the reintroduced weekly sanitation exercise.

He expressed optimism that the campaign would produce visible improvements, adding that he expects to witness a significant transformation in the environment during his next inspection visit scheduled for Tuesday, July 7.

Beyond sanitation, Olatunji also raised concerns over security, warning hotel operators within the area to exercise greater vigilance in screening their guests.

He disclosed that intelligence available to the authorities indicated that some criminal elements were allegedly using hotels around the community as temporary hideouts.

The chairman urged proprietors of hospitality businesses to cooperate with security agencies by remaining alert and reporting suspicious activities capable of threatening public safety.

He equally encouraged market women, traders and residents to cultivate the habit of volunteering credible information whenever they observe unusual movements or suspicious individuals within their neighbourhoods.

According to him, timely intelligence from members of the public remains one of the most effective tools in preventing crime and sustaining peace in the community.

Responding on behalf of the market community, the Babaloja General of Toll Gate, Chief Rasheed Oduola, commended Olatunji for what he described as a proactive and visionary leadership style, and genuine commitment to the welfare and development of the Toll Gate community.

He lauded the council chairman for taking governance to the grassroots through direct engagement with stakeholders instead of waiting for problems to escalate.

Oduola pledged the full cooperation of traders and market leaders towards the successful implementation of the resolutions reached during the meeting.

He assured the council that market stakeholders would comply with the sanitation directives and support the proposed sanitation and security task force once operational.

Olatunji was accompanied on the inspection and sensitisation visit by former Oluyole Local Government Chairman, Hon. Kehinde Abore, alongside the Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oluyole Local Government, Alhaji Wasiu Arewa.

Also in attendance were the Iyaloja of Toll Gate, Mrs. Grace Idowu; the Iyalaje of Toll Gate, Chief (Mrs.) Bolanle Orimolade; the Babaloja General of Toll Gate, Chief Rasheed Oduola; the Oluomo of Toll Gate, Alhaji Musediq Olapade, as well as scores of market men, market women and other community stakeholders.