Abia Govt Relaunches House-to-House Sanitary Inspection Services
The Abia State Government has relaunched its house-to-house sanitary inspection services across the state, with Governor Alex Otti OFR emphasizing that the initiative is not just about environmental cleanliness, but a return to fundamental values of public health, personal responsibility, and community hygiene.
The Governor, who was represented by Deputy Governor Engineer Emetu,FNSE noted that sanitation was once a cornerstone of public health in Nigeria and that the restoration exercise aims to prevent outbreaks of cholera, malaria, typhoid, and other communicable diseases.
According to the Governor, a clean environment is essential for attracting investment and tourism, and he charged inspectors to carry out their duties with integrity, empathy, and diligence. He promised that the government would provide necessary support to make their work easy.
The Governor also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to support the initiative and help create awareness in their domains.
The Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, welcomed guests to the historic event, highlighting the importance of the initiative in keeping communities clean, orderly, and disease-free.
He stated that it is heartwarming to note that under the purposeful and visionary leadership of his Excellency Dr Alex Chioma Otti OFR that we are reintroducing and reinforcing the house to house sanitary inspection that once helped keep our communities clean,orderly and disease-free.He urged Abians to embrace the programme in good faith.
In their respective speeches,the General Manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Mazi Ogbonna Okereke, and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment,Mr Ikechukwu Oriuwa, praised the Governor’s attention to detail and commitment to making Abia clean. They urged all stakeholders to sustain the momentum and make the vision workable.
They reminded the inspectors that their work is not a profit-making adventure, but rather they should take their work seriously and aim to work according to the standards laid down by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The relaunch of house-to-house sanitary inspection services which marks a significant step towards improving public health and environmental cleanliness in Abia State was well attended by State Government Executives and traditional rulers .
Amah ijeoma
FIC Deputy Governors Correspondent
27-06-2025
