Environmental Sanitation is the practice of effective management of Waste, Drainage and overall hygiene to create a safe and healthy environment. This involves maintaining a clean and hygienic environment that is free from contaminants, pollutants and disease-causing organisms. In sustaining our eco-system, environmental sanitation plays a critical role in improving public health.
It is therefore not a surprise that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo has keyed into this initiative to ensure a healthier Edo State by reintroducing the Monthly Environmental Sanitation scheduled to hold every last Saturday of the month from 7am to 10am, kicking off on the 26th of April, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in ensuring a cleaner and healthier Edo State. As Government and citizens, it is our collective responsibility to rid the society of waste materials that are harmful to our environment thereby making it hygienically safe to live in.
This directive is a clarion call to all residents to actively participate in the safeguarding of our environment and by extension, our health and well-being. Cleanliness is intrinsically linked to health. A clean environment reduces the prevalence of diseases such as Lassa fever, cholera, malaria and typhoid which have historically posed significant health challenges in our communities. By maintaining clean surroundings, we disrupt the breeding grounds for disease vectors, thereby protecting ourselves and our loved ones from preventable illnesses.
Beyond health, a clean environment contributes to the longevity of our infrastructure. Unclogged gutters and well-maintained roads prevent erosion and structural damage, thereby saving the State substantial repair costs. Moreover, a clean State is more attractive to investors, fostering economic growth and development in the eighteen Local Government Areas.
Reflecting back to the days of ‘Ikoiko’, when Environmental Health Officers, Community members and key stakeholders moved around conducting a comprehensive cleaning exercise and ensuring full compliance, environmental sanitation was a collective responsibility, and the fear of non-compliance instilled a culture of cleanliness. Reviving this spirit is essential in reinstating discipline and communal participation in environmental upkeep.
To ensure the effectiveness of the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise, Edo State Government has instituted enforcement mechanisms across the eighteen Local Government Areas. Our Local Government Councils have intensified efforts to promote sanitation through regular waste collection. We are also partnering with Environmental Health Officers to educate residents on best hygiene practices and the proper disposal of waste. Mobile Courts will also be established to prosecute offenders promptly, ensuring that justice is served without favoritism. Exceptions will be made for essential service providers, including law enforcement agencies, medical personnel, and individuals requiring urgent medical attention.
The success of this initiative hinges on collective action. Every resident has a role to play in maintaining cleanliness, from proper waste disposal to participating in the monthly sanitation exercise. As Steve Pavlina aptly stated, “When you live for a strong purpose, then hard work isn’t an option, it’s a necessity.” Our shared purpose is a healthier, cleaner Edo State, and achieving this requires dedication and hard work from us all.
In conclusion, the reintroduction of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise is a commendable step towards a healthier, more prosperous Edo State. It is imperative that all residents embrace this initiative, recognizing that the benefits extend beyond individual households to the broader community. Let us unite in this endeavor, understanding that our collective efforts today will yield a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.
Sir (Dr.) Lucky Eseigbe, LL.M
Honorable Commissioner,
Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs