Akpabuyo LGA Commended for Outstanding Turnout in Cross River’s Monthly Sanitation Exercise

The Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State has earned praise for its impressive level of participation and compliance during the October statewide environmental sanitation exercise, which took place on the last Saturday of the month.

According to Akahi News, the State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, who personally monitored the exercise in Akpabuyo alongside the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Effiom Bassey, expressed deep satisfaction with the turnout and community engagement recorded during the exercise.

Statewide Awareness and Growing Environmental Discipline

Hon. Osogi described the high level of compliance as a testament to the increasing environmental awareness among residents across the state. He noted that the people have now fully embraced sanitation as a statewide culture, observing that many communities now understand the importance of a clean environment to public health and wellbeing.

“Sanitation is now a statewide culture. Everyone knows that the last Saturday of every month is dedicated to environmental sanitation,” the Commissioner said, adding that Akpabuyo’s participation was one of the most encouraging he had witnessed so far.

He commended residents for their enthusiasm and hinted that the Council could be rewarded for outstanding performance during his next monitoring visit if such commitment was sustained in subsequent editions.

Council Chairman Reaffirms Commitment to Environmental Health

In his remarks, Hon. Effiom Bassey, the Executive Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government Council, lauded the collective spirit demonstrated by residents, community groups, and council officials. He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to maintain a consistent sanitation culture that ensures every community remains clean and safe.

“The involvement of our council officials, youths, and community members reflects genuine commitment to environmental health. We will continue to mobilise our people to achieve even greater compliance in future editions,” Bassey stated.

Community Participation and Enforcement

Akahi News gathered that several residents actively participated in the exercise by clearing blocked drains, sweeping streets, and cutting overgrown grasses around their surroundings. The exercise also witnessed the presence of environmental officers who monitored compliance levels.

Some residents expressed satisfaction with the initiative. Mrs Joy Bassey, a resident, described the monthly sanitation as a welcome development that has helped reduce litter and improve neighbourhood hygiene. Another participant, Mr Paul Etim, commended the government’s effort, saying, “Keeping our environment clean is not just a duty but a civic responsibility every citizen should take seriously.”

However, a few defaulters were reportedly apprehended for violating the sanitation directive and handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution. Officials reiterated that the enforcement aspect was necessary to sustain discipline and discourage negligence.

Government’s Commitment to Public Health

Environmental experts have noted that the monthly sanitation programme is part of the Cross River State Government’s broader strategy to enhance environmental cleanliness and protect public health. The initiative, which covers all eighteen local government areas, continues to gain traction as a model of civic cooperation and environmental sustainability.

Observers believe that sustained community participation, combined with government supervision and education, will make Cross River one of the cleanest and healthiest states in Nigeria.

Thanks. By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org