Ololo Commends Sanitation Department for Safeguarding Public Health

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ebi Ben Ololo, has reaffirmed the Bayelsa State Government’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its citizens, particularly regarding the safety of foodstuffs consumed within the state.

The Commissioner made this known during a meeting with staff of the Environmental Sanitation Department at the ministry’s conference hall in the State Secretariat.

He conveyed the displeasure of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, over the inhumane activities of some traders who show little or no regard for public health.

He emphasized that henceforth, all laws guiding public health and hygiene, especially in marketplaces, would be strictly enforced.

Mr. Ololo decried the unfortunate situation where unhealthy and contaminated consumables are brought into the state, describing such acts as unacceptable and disgraceful.

Commending the vigilance of officers who raised the alarm and arrested the businessman recently caught with a large quantity of contaminated beef in the state, the Commissioner urged staff to remain proactive and intensify efforts in safeguarding public health.

Mr. Ololo, who personally supervised the disposal of the suspected beef, expressed his readiness to continue overseeing such exercises and ensuring that offenders are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He further assured residents that the government would continue to do everything within its powers to ensure that all consumables available in the state are safe, hygienic, and fit for consumption.

Earlier, the Director of the Environmental Sanitation Department, Mr. Lawrence Azaka, explained that in line with Nigeria’s Public Health Laws, the apprehended culprit was charged to court, found guilty, and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with an option of fine.

He noted that the judgment now serves as a deterrent to others involved in similar illegal activities.

Also speaking, the Director of Human Resource Management and Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Comrade Laye Julius, commended the Commissioner, stating that the success recorded was a direct result of the clear directive and motivation given by Mr. Ololo to staff of the ministry.