The Ogun State Government has said it would henceforth strictly enforce environmental sanitation laws, particular against anyone who indiscriminately dumps refuse on road medians and in drainages.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Adedayo Adeneye, made this known in Ota when he and his counterparts, Mr. Bolaji Oyeleye (Environment) and Chief Jide Ojuko (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs) paid an inspection visit to the Ota market, recently reopened after it was sealed by the state government, which accused the market men and women of not maintaining a clean environment.
Adeneye, while addressing the traders, also expressed displeasure at the disregard by the residents of Ota and Toll Gate areas to the directive of the government that they should maintain a clean environment always.
The Commissioner frowned at the attitude of the traders and deplored the filthy state of the area despite the recent drastic action taken by the government.
He maintained that government is committed to maintaining a clean environment and in this regard, has no option than to strictly enforce the relevant laws.
Adeneye lamented that less than 24 hours after the market was reopened, the area has again returned to its filthy state, characterised by indiscriminate refuse dumping.
“The present administration in the state, led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun, is interested in providing enabling environment for businesses to thrive and not interested in inconveniencing anyone, but whoever goes against the law shall face the consequence. Government has made tremendous achievement towards changing the face of the state, yet some people take solace in jeopardising its effort,” he added.
Also speaking, Oyeleye, who counseled the traders on the need for a clean environment, said since government has taken steps towards ensuring that residents comply with environmental sanitation laws, it should not be blamed if it goes tough against violators.
“If people still fail to keep their environment clean, not only in Ota, but also other parts of the state, government would not hesitate to wield the big stick,” he said, assuring that government would not renege in its efforts at providing necessary support towards maintaining a clean and healthy environment.