The Ekiti State Government has prosecuted 55 individuals for allegedly breaching environmental sanitation regulations during the February monthly clean-up exercise.
A statement issued on Monday by the state Ministry of Environment in Ado Ekiti said the offenders were arraignedarraigned for violating the sanitation order during restricted hours on Saturday.
Magistrates presiding over the cases fined 54 of the offenders, while one person was pardoned.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Sunday Omoya, said the exercise is aimed at encouraging residents to take responsibility for their environment.
“We want to ensure that everyone understands the importance and purpose of this exercise and fully complies,” Omoya said.
He warned that anyone found on the streets without a legitimate reason during restricted hours would face sanctions.
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The Director of Environmental Health and Sanitation, Ayodele Aluko, highlighted the link between environmental cleanliness and public health.
“As we pursue growth and development, we must also ensure good health for our people. A clean environment remains fundamental to healthy living,” he said, noting that blocked drainage systems and polluted surroundings contribute to disease outbreaks.
The government reiterated its commitment to enforcing sanitation laws and urged residents to comply with future exercises to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.
The monthly environmental sanitation exercise requires residents across the state to remain indoors for a specified period while cleaning their surroundings.