Despite the early morning downpour, officials of the Ondo State Waste Management Authority, backed by the Ministry of Environment task force, arrested more than 40 persons on Saturday for violating the state’s monthly environmental sanitation law.
The arrests were made during the August edition of the exercise, which was monitored across major towns and cities.
Acting General Manager of the Waste Management Authority, Mr. Olajumbu Adekunle, described the turnout of compliant residents as encouraging but warned that the era of indiscriminate dumping of refuse and disregard for sanitation laws was over.
“So far, on record, we have arrested over 40 persons who violated the environmental sanitation law. Enforcement will continue, and we are putting measures in place to clear illegal dumpsites across the state,” he said.
Adekunle explained that waste collection trucks would be deployed to strategic areas to evacuate refuse, while enforcement officers would be stationed to monitor compliance and prosecute offenders.
The Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Kinga Olamide, admitted that the heavy rainfall slowed down participation but noted that the enforcement team still carried out their duties effectively, ensuring that violators were apprehended.
The monthly exercise, observed on the last Saturday of every month, is part of the government’s efforts to promote hygiene, reduce pollution, and safeguard public health.
