By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The deputy governor of Oyo State, Mr Bayo Lawal, has attributed the zero cases of cholera in the state to the recent environmental policies of the state government.
He also disclosed that the government led by his boss, Mr Seyi Makinde, had already prepared itself for unforeseen epidemic circumstances, especially after COVID-19 almost brought down the world in 2020.
Speaking during the commemoration of the 2024 National Environmental Sanitation Day themed Environmental Sanitation in the Era of Climate Change, he said the government had been deliberate in its environmental sanitation drive, thereby resulting in a cleaner environment throughout the state.
Mr Lawal, who represented Mr Makinde at the flagging off of the symbolic street sweeping exercise at Itesiwaju Market and Agodi car park, Ibadan, advised the populace to always notify the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of important information on environmental issues.
He posited that the fear that cholera is contagious and spread to neighbouring states led to the success recorded in putting all medical personnel on red alert and making sure all suspected cases are speedily attended to.
The deputy government said the state government has over the years embarked on several positive and monumental environmental policies, which have improved a safer environment against the impact of climate change across the nooks and crannies of the state.
He reiterated that the administration policies on zero tolerance against filth and indiscriminate refuse dumping, clearing and expansion of river channels across all the geopolitical zones are great factors.
Mr Lawal appealed for attitudinal change among residents, urging them to prioritise healthy living against any form of communicable disease, most especially, cholera, charging the public, to henceforth dissuade from dumping refuse in drainages, rivers, road medians and unauthorized places, promising to consolidate on the gains so far achieved.
The number two citizen of Oyo State pledged to give the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, all necessary support to achieve its mandate, urging all to rise to the challenges of climate change which has not spared any part of the world, calling on residents along river banks in the state to be extremely vigilant.
The National Environmental Sanitation Day is held every June 28 to drive awareness of the need to imbibe personal and environmental hygiene among Nigerians. The day was commemorated in Oyo State on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.