Nasarawa Governor Issues 3-Month Ultimatum for Sanitation Improvements

From Rabiu Omaku, Lafia

Nasarawa State Governor Engineer Abdullahi Sule has set a three-month deadline for the State Sanitation Committee to enhance the conduct of sanitation exercises, warning that failure to show improvement may lead to the cancellation of sanitation activities.

Governor Sule’s message was delivered by Princess Dr. Margaret Elayo, Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, during this month’s preparatory meeting for the upcoming Saturday sanitation exercise.

In her address, Dr. Margaret stated the well-known adages “cleanliness is next to Godliness” and “health is wealth,” highlighting a troubling reality: debris and refuse often resurfaces just a day after monthly sanitation efforts. This situation, she noted, reflects a concerning lack of commitment among residents.

Dr. Margaret remarked that this negligence not only compromises the aesthetic appeal of the state but also undermines the ministry’s efforts to keep Nasarawa clean.

This has prompted Governor Abdullahi Sule to voice serious concerns regarding the sanitation committee’s inefficiency in executing their tasks effectively.

To improve monitoring, Dr. Margaret announced plans to establish a platform for committee members. This will allow field workers to send real-time photos of their locations during sanitation exercises, enabling verification of residents’ adherence to sanitation protocols.

Moreover, she informed the committee that Governor Sule will launch a distribution initiative for trash bags in Akwanga Local Government Area.

“We will distribute these trash bags for free across seven local government areas, after which we will sell them at a subsidized rate. I am committed to this project, even if it means spending my entire salary,” Dr. Margaret revealed.

She also shared her personal health struggles, emphasizing the importance of sanitation as she dealt with frequent hospital visits due to malaria.

Additionally, Dr. Margaret Elayo announced that the governor plans to collaborate with the legislature to enact laws imposing penalties on individuals who fail to participate in monthly sanitation exercises.