An Ekiti State Magistrate Court, Ado Ekiti Division has sentenced 17 offenders to one month of community service for violating the state’s environmental health and sanitation laws.
A statement by the Ministry of Environment on Monday stated that the 17 offenders were convicted by Magistrate Olubunmi Bamidele following violation of the laws during last Saturday’s sanitation.
They were, however, given an option of N5,000 fine each.
The magistrate, in the ruling, stated that “the offenders failed to adhere to the state’s environmental sanitation guidelines. Such negligence poses a serious threat to public health and environmental safety.”
The statement added that 11 other suspected offenders were discharged by the court.
The Commissioner for Environment, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, stated that “environmental sanitation is a collective responsibility. There is the need for everyone to play their part in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.”
Aluko-Ajisafe, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Tunde Balogun, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable and hygienic environment, warning that violators of sanitation laws would continue to face penalties as part of efforts to enforce compliance.
She, however, praised the level of compliance recorded during the January edition of the monthly environmental sanitation across the state.
The commissioner said, “Enforcement of sanitation laws and regulations is a proactive measure by the state government to prevent disease outbreaks resulting from poor hygiene practices.”
Aluko-Ajisafe called on community leaders and stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns on the importance of environmental hygiene and encourage active participation during designated sanitation periods.
She reiterated the state government’s resolve to sustain the monthly sanitation exercise and ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.
