Ekiti State government has warned traders and members of the commercial drivers’ unions operating in the state against violating the monthly environmental exercise. The government also pleaded with security agencies to collaborate with the environmental officers for full enforcement of mandatory restrictions for the three hours the programme is to last. 
 
The Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, gave the warning, yesterday while monitoring the monthly environmental exercise in Ikole Local Council of the state. Places visited included Ikole Local Council, Ikole West, Ajoni, and Kajola Local Council Development Areas.
 
Afuye expressed regret that traders and commercial drivers in towns like Iworoko, Ifaki, Oye, Ayegbaju, and Itapa were operating in full swing, despite the 7 to 10 am restriction announced by the state government.
 
She commended the Chairmen of Ikole Local Council and the three LCDAs in the council, for enforcing compliance with the restriction order and ensuring environmental cleanliness and hygiene within their domain.

She said: “I was not really happy with the way the commercial drivers and traders were operating freely in virtually all the towns that we crossed before we got to Ikole-Ekiti. 
 
“They were operating without bearing in mind that there was a restriction. I want to appeal to our security agencies to join hands with the local council chairmen and environmental officers to make this programme a success.
 
“What we are doing is to prevent infectious disease from breaking out. People can’t be selling foods in dirty environments and expect that the consumers will be in good health. 
 
“Environmental hygiene is necessary for the life of any citizen. Once you are able to maintain this, one is bound to enjoy a long and healthy life. You won’t be spending your money on sicknesses. This is besides the beauty it will add to where you live.”
 
The deputy governor promised that a blocked section of Ayedun-Ipao Link Road in Ayedun-Ekiti and an erosion site in Ijesa-Isu, identified as posing serious ecological hazards would be attended to by the state government.