Kwara State on Saturday conducted its monthly environmental sanitation exercise, with residents across the state participating in the last sanitation exercise for August.

The exercise, held on the last Saturday of the month, was observed in several parts of Ilorin, where residents were expected to clean their surroundings and comply with the temporary restriction on movement.

Speaking during the exercise, Chairman of the Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Environment and member representing Isin Constituency, Hon. Omotosho Olakunle Abdurrazaq, stressed the importance of regular environmental sanitation in promoting public health.

He said maintaining a clean environment helps reduce the spread of diseases, prevents flooding and protects communities from other environmental hazards. He also urged residents to obey government directives and see environmental cleanliness as a shared responsibility.

Officials of the Kwara State Ministry of Environment were seen clearing drains, sweeping streets and evacuating refuse from different locations across the Ilorin metropolis.

Emirate Radio correspondent, Maryam Haruna Muhammad, reported a high level of compliance in areas including Oja-Oba, Post Office, Zango, Tanke and Airport Road, where many motorists parked their vehicles in line with the movement restriction.

However, compliance was lower in the Odo-Tà area, where some commercial vehicle operators were observed carrying out their normal activities despite the restriction.

Authorities arrested several individuals for allegedly violating the sanitation regulations, including operators of the popular Iya Ibeji Buka along Airport Road.

The monthly sanitation exercise is part of the Kwara State Government’s efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment. Residents have been encouraged to adopt proper waste disposal practices and continue complying with environmental regulations to help prevent disease outbreaks and flooding.