The Ekiti State Government has sealed an eatery in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, for allegedly violating sanitation regulations.
The eatery was sanctioned during an enforcement exercise carried out by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
A statement from the ministry on Tuesday said the enforcement exercise was part of efforts aimed at addressing environmental sanitation breaches linked to persistent odour nuisance in parts of the state capital.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, who led the ministry’s team during inspections around the Federal Polytechnic Satellite Campus Junction and other parts of Ado Ekiti, said, “The enforcement action was part of government efforts to address environmental infractions contributing to pollution and offensive odour in the area.”
Aluko-Ajisafe said, “A popular eatery in the area was sealed for violating environmental sanitation regulations. Preliminary findings revealed that the facility allegedly stored waste in an underground septic tank and discharged it into nearby drainage channels at night.
“The practice was capable of causing environmental pollution and contributing to the offensive odour being experienced in parts of the state capital.
“Another eatery in the area was strongly reprimanded for operating under unsanitary conditions and directed to immediately comply with environmental health standards to avoid further sanctions.”
The commissioner warned business owners and residents against indiscriminate waste disposal and other practices capable of endangering public health, saying the state government would not hesitate to enforce environmental laws strictly against violators.
As part of the inspection tour, the commissioner also visited a gas plant and later proceeded to Oja Bisi Market, where she urged traders to maintain a clean environment and desist from displaying goods on walkways.
She called on residents to report suspicious environmental activities in their communities that could result in air pollution or pose other public health risks.
According to her, the state government remains committed to sustained monitoring, enforcement, and environmental sanitation reforms aimed at restoring a cleaner and healthier environment across Ekiti.
Aluko-Ajisafe also appealed to residents to allow the law to take its course in cases involving environmental offenders, stressing the need for cooperation with enforcement agencies to ensure effective environmental protection.
