Ekiti State Government Issues Stern Warning on Environmental Nuisance

The Ekiti State Government has sounded a strong caution to its citizens regarding inappropriate waste disposal and other actions that could jeopardize public health or create environmental nuisances. Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, specifically condemned the practice of discharging wastewater into drainage systems, highlighting its potential to generate offensive odours.

According to a statement released in Ado Ekiti on Friday, Commissioner Aluko-Ajisafe's warning came after residents of Third Extension, GRA, Ado Ekiti, lodged complaints about activities causing a foul smell. Following these complaints, a joint task force comprising officials from the ministry and security agencies investigated the area. They discovered that accumulated kitchen waste from a catch pit had been emptied into a public drain, which was the source of the unpleasant odour.

Commissioner Aluko-Ajisafe strongly condemned this practice, emphasizing that the government would not condone any activities that lead to environmental nuisance or pose health risks to its residents. She stated, “An abatement notice has been issued to the resident involved. Further action will be taken in accordance with relevant environmental laws to serve as a deterrent to others.”

The Commissioner commended the residents for their prompt reporting of the incident and encouraged the public to continue providing vital information to the ministry. This cooperation, she noted, would assist in the ongoing efforts to combat recurrent offensive odours across the state. Aluko-Ajisafe also mentioned that the ministry has made several arrests and successfully prosecuted offenders as part of its commitment to addressing environmental infractions, vowing to sustain enforcement to ensure a clean and safe environment in Ekiti State.

For several weeks, residents in various parts of the state capital have voiced concerns about pervasive unpleasant odours, a situation the state government had previously acknowledged and vowed to investigate thoroughly. Taiwo Olatunbosun, the Information Commissioner, recently assured the public that “the situation is being closely monitored. The state government is working with relevant agencies and experts to ensure that the matter is properly investigated and appropriate measures taken to normalise the situation.” Olatunbosun reaffirmed the Biodun Oyebanji administration's dedication to environmental protection and ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy living space for all Ekiti State residents.