…Warns defaulters, says collective action key to averting flood and disease outbreak
The Executive Chairman of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, Hon. Oluwafemi Daniel Odunayo, has commended residents and business owners for their impressive turnout during the July environmental sanitation exercise, describing it as a sign that the people are ready to take ownership of a cleaner and safer LCDA.
Hon. Odunayo gave the commendation during an inspection tour with his team on Saturday, following an assessment of residential areas across Itire-Ikate where council officials and environmental health officers were deployed for the community-wide clean-up.
In a show of appreciation, the Chairman presented a cash stipend to a woman found clearing drainages in her street. He said the gesture was meant to encourage others and serve as a deterrent to those who neglect their environment.
“We cannot fold our arms and watch floodwater take over our streets or allow preventable diseases to ravage our communities,” the Chairman said. “This turnout is impressive. But we must sustain it.”
Hon. Odunayo added that _the council under his watch will continue to desilt drainages, evacuate refuse and ensure sensitisation on the need for a better environment.
He further warned that the council will begin strict enforcement of sanitation bye-laws. He advised residents who have been indifferent to environmental sanitation to oblige, stressing that it is a civic responsibility to avert flooding and outbreak of diseases.
“The message is simple: a clean environment is a healthy environment. Let us remain committed before the rains become heavier,” he stated.
The Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the THEME+ Agenda, pledging more sensitisation campaigns, provision of waste bags and continuous desilting of drainage systems across the LCDA.
He also urged community leaders, CDAs and youth groups to serve as vanguards in driving the message of environmental responsibility to every street and household.