Abia State Government has called on residents to take the reintroduced sanitary inspection exercise seriously, stressing that the initiative is aimed at preventing potential outbreaks of disease and ensuring a healthier environment.
The Commissioner for information, Prince Okey Kanu, made the call while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council Meeting, which was presided over by Governor Alex Otti,.
Prince Okey Kanu, who emphasised that the sanitary condition of the State remains a top priority for the present administration, urged residents to give full cooperation to the sanitary inspectors as they carry out their duties.
The Commissioner noted that the Abia has made appreciable progress in sanitary inspection services with the visit of about 4,500 premises, cutting across 85 communities in the state in August alone by the Environmental Health Officers.
He cautioned the Sanitary Inspectors not to use their positions or offices as an avenue to extort money from the citizens but to insist on the payment of established environmental default fines only.
Prince Kanu also announced that the State Executive Council has approved a State wide tree planting campaign as part of its green environment policy.
He said that the initiative is expected to contribute to improved climate conditions, reduction of erosion and carbon emissions, enhancement of public health, beautification of urban areas as well as the promotion of tourism.
Prince Kanu further urged Abians to keep their drainage systems clean, particularly in light of an earlier flood warning issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The Commissioner announced that Abia State would join the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s World Cleanup Day on the 25th of September 2025.
He noted that ASEPA is working with different stakeholder groups and partners to ensure a successful celebration of this year’s version of the World Cleanup exercise.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Philemon Ogbonna, appealed to residents to actively support efforts aimed at improving sanitation across the state.
He encouraged households and communities to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and explained that the responsibilities of the reintroduced sanitary inspectors include door-to-door inspections across all 17 local government areas.
Mr Ogbonna assured the public that the State Government has made adequate financial provisions for the exercise to ensure that no resident would be exploited.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the sanitary inspection initiative aligns with the present administration’s vision to maintain a clean and healthy Abia.
He noted that the reintroduction of sanitary inspectors is a key component of the administration’s public health and environmental strategy.
