Sanitation exercise stalls movement at Ilorin Checkpoint area

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Hundreds of travellers were stranded on Saturday, 28th September, at the Checkpoint area of Ilorin, as law enforcement agents, ministry officials, and judges enforced the state’s environmental sanitation law.

The exercise, which takes place every last Saturday of the month, halted movement for about two hours, leaving travellers and truck drivers stuck during the stipulated sanitation hours.

A mobile court was on site, issuing penalties to offenders who failed to comply with the sanitation rules.

Speaking to the press, Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, praised the level of compliance, which he estimated at 95%. He noted that the sanitation exercise has been consistently successful over the past few months.

“The exercise today has been a good one, just like in previous months. We’ve seen a high level of compliance, with judges at various checkpoints issuing appropriate penalties to offenders—those loitering or disobeying orders to stay in designated areas, and vehicles not observing the no-movement directive. Compliance stands at 95%,” Ayinla said.

He also highlighted that the state’s environmental sanitation law, enacted in 2006, is well-known to all, adding that the sanitation hours were recently extended from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to align with the law.

In preparation for the exercise, Ayinla said the ministry engaged various stakeholders, including market women, motorists, and other residents, ensuring that detailed information was widely disseminated.

He acknowledged the media’s role in spreading awareness and noted that vehicles were deployed to conduct street announcements, reminding people about the sanitation period.

“Some individuals claim ignorance of the exercise, but they are merely trying to take advantage by attempting to conduct business before 7:00 a.m. Once the time hits 7:00 a.m., the law must be enforced,” he added.

Ayinla stated that 17 designated points across the town were monitored, with judges, magistrates, security personnel, and environmental workers stationed to ensure compliance. He reiterated that vehicular movement was prohibited during the exercise.

He also pointed out that environmental health officers were actively ensuring that residents cleaned their homes and surroundings. Those living close to business areas were required to clean gutters and clear bushes in their vicinity.

The only exceptions to the no-movement rule, according to Ayinla, were essential workers and individuals dealing with emergencies.