Kwara government Warns Traders Against Environmental Pollution.

The Kwara State government has issued a stern warning to traders against environmental pollution and indiscriminate refuse dumping in markets, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment for the well-being of citizens. This announcement was made during the Thursday routine environmental exercise in major markets across Ilorin, the state capital. The Acting General Manager of the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA), Hajia Idayat Folorunsho, highlighted that the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure environmental cleanliness must be supported by traders through consistent sanitation practices and proper waste disposal.
Hajia Folorunsho, represented by the Chief Environmental Officer, Alh. Yunusa Jida, led a team from KWEPA to inspect various markets in Ilorin, including Itamadu, Maraba, Ipata, and Oja-Oba. She emphasized the crucial role markets play as centers for sourcing foodstuffs and groceries, making it essential to keep them clean in order to prevent the spread of diseases. She also urged traders to avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse around market areas, as such practices can attract pests and contribute to the spread of preventable diseases.
The KWEPA team also reminded traders that it is mandatory for all market participants, including shop owners, to observe the weekly Thursday environmental sanitation exercise from 7:00 am to 10:00 am. The initiative, as directed by the State Ministry of Environment, is aimed at promoting cleanliness and ensuring that the markets remain free from waste and pollutants. Traders who fail to comply with this directive are warned that they will face appropriate sanctions as stipulated by state environmental laws.
The Kwara State government continues to emphasize that market cleanliness is not only essential for public health but also for the overall hygiene of the community. KWEPA’s efforts in monitoring and enforcing environmental standards are designed to foster a cleaner, safer environment in which citizens can carry out their business activities without the risk of environmental hazards. The routine inspections aim to uphold the state’s commitment to a cleaner and greener environment for all.