Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Environmental Sanitation Authority has announced that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, calling on all residents to participate in keeping the state clean and green.
The exercise, a regular initiative to promote environmental hygiene, will involve cleaning surroundings, cutting overgrown grasses, clearing drainage systems, and ensuring the free flow of natural waterways to prevent flooding and maintain public health.
Mr. Timothy Diekivie Itiedu, Chairman of the Environmental Sanitation Authority, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean environment.
In a statement, he noted that the exercise will occur from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, with no movement restrictions imposed due to the Senior School Certificate (WAEC) Examination and the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Common Entrance Examination scheduled on the same day.
“While we accommodate the examinations, we urge residents to remain committed to cleaning their immediate environments during these hours,” Itiedu said.
The authority expressed deep appreciation for the consistent cooperation of communities across Yenagoa metropolis, whose mobilization efforts have been instrumental in the success of previous sanitation exercises.
Special recognition was given to the leadership of various trading units at key markets, including Swali Main Market, Kpansia, Opolo, and Etegwe, for their dedication to ensuring compliance among their members. Their proactive engagement has fostered a culture of environmental consciousness in these commercial hubs.
Mr. Itiedu highlighted that a clean environment is vital for the health and well-being of Bayelsa’s residents, particularly in preventing waterborne diseases and mitigating flood risks, which are prevalent challenges in the region. “A clean Bayelsa is a healthy Bayelsa. By working together, we can create a sustainable environment that benefits everyone,” he stated, urging residents to view the exercise as a civic duty rather than a mere obligation.
The Environmental Sanitation Authority also called on community leaders, youth groups, and local organizations to rally their members and neighbors to participate actively.
The authority plans to deploy monitoring teams to ensure compliance across various neighborhoods and markets, while also encouraging voluntary participation to foster a sense of ownership in the state’s environmental goals.
Furthermore, members of the public are hereby warned that it is an offence to dump refuse on pedestrian walkways, road dividers, drainages, canals, and all other unapproved dump site.
