The Ekiti State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has sealed a popular eatery in Ado Ekiti over alleged violations of environmental sanitation laws and improper waste disposal practices.
The enforcement action was carried out during a sanitation monitoring exercise led by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, as part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to tackle pollution, offensive odour, and unhealthy environmental practices across the capital city.
According to a statement released by the ministry on Tuesday, the operation focused on areas around the Federal Polytechnic Satellite Campus Junction and other locations within Ado Ekiti where residents had repeatedly complained about persistent foul smells and environmental pollution.
Speaking during the inspection exercise, Aluko-Ajisafe explained that the affected eatery was shut down after preliminary investigations allegedly revealed serious sanitation violations capable of endangering public health and contaminating the environment.
The commissioner disclosed that the facility was reportedly storing waste materials in an underground septic tank and secretly discharging the contents into nearby drainage systems during the night.
She noted that such illegal disposal practices contribute significantly to environmental pollution, blocked drainage channels, and the offensive odour being experienced in several parts of the state capital.
According to the ministry, another eatery operating within the same axis was also cautioned and reprimanded for maintaining unsanitary conditions. The business owner was directed to immediately improve hygiene standards and comply fully with environmental regulations to avoid possible closure or further sanctions.
Aluko-Ajisafe warned residents, traders, and business operators against indiscriminate dumping of refuse and other harmful environmental practices capable of threatening public safety and health.
She stressed that the state government would continue to strictly enforce sanitation and environmental laws against individuals and organisations found violating established regulations.
During the inspection tour, the commissioner also visited a gas plant within the area before proceeding to Oja Bisi Market, where she advised traders to keep their surroundings clean and avoid displaying goods on walkways and drainage paths.
She urged members of the public to cooperate with environmental officials by reporting suspicious activities that could result in pollution, poor sanitation, or other environmental hazards within their communities.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Ekiti State Government to continuous monitoring, enforcement, and environmental sanitation reforms aimed at creating a cleaner, healthier, and safer environment for residents across the state.
She also appealed to residents to allow environmental laws to take their proper course, emphasizing that public cooperation remains essential in protecting the environment and promoting better sanitation standards throughout Ekiti State.
