Residents of Abia State have been urged to adopt environmentally friendly practices by properly disposing of household waste as the festive season approaches.
Following the final cleanup exercise of 2024, held in December, the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, emphasized the importance of adhering to Governor Alex Otti’s advocacy for environmental cleanliness and personal hygiene.
He expressed satisfaction with the growing compliance among residents, which resulted in a successful sanitation exercise for the month.
The state rescheduled the cleanup day from the last Saturday of the month to December 21st, aiming to present a greener and cleaner environment in preparation for Christmas on Wednesday, December 25th, 2024.
Mayor Smart Iheoma, Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, highlighted the strict enforcement of cleanliness at the Isigate area of Umuahia and the restoration of orderly revenue collection methods at Orie Ugba market.
He assured that measures would be implemented to ensure traders maintain a healthy environment and consumers purchase safe food.
Esther Chioma Ajah, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Sustainability, praised Nigeria’s Waste Management Act, which prohibits the disposal of hazardous waste on land and waters.
She revealed government plans to introduce interventions and innovations in waste management, including package redesign, lightweighting, and reusable packaging systems.
These initiatives aim to reduce waste generation and enhance the state’s waste collection system, marking a significant milestone in Abia’s environmental efforts.
A total number of 89 defaulters were arrested and brought before the Environmental Sanitation Court, four persons were discharged based on health issues, while the other six persons discharged were students.
