By Adeboye Ado

Some residents in Akoko communities in Ondo State actively participated in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise on Saturday to ensure a healthy environment.

The communities, including Ikare, Akungba, Arigidi, Iye, Okeagbe, Afin, Irun, and Ogbagi, took part in the exercise, with many residents starting as early as 7 a.m. to clean their premises.

Our correspondent observed that even undeveloped plots of land were not left untouched, as some residents took advantage of the dry season to safely burn refuse.

Environmental officers, paramilitary personnel, and local volunteers were on hand to ensure widespread participation and monitor the progress of the exercise.

In Arigidi, a community leader, Chief Tayo Origbenisoye, led by example by encouraging fellow landlords and landladies to join in the clean-up efforts at Olokun Agbaluku.

He told our correspondent that he detested unkempt environments littered with refuse, adding that he participated vigorously in the exercise to inspire others to engage in such communal efforts.

“I hate seeing refuse around my area. Regardless of my age and status, I started working at 7 a.m. this morning to inspire others to do the same,” Origbenisoye said.

Also speaking, Mr. Victor Adeyemi, the Director of Environmental Services in Akoko North West Local Government Area, praised the initiative and commended the large turnout of residents.

He used the opportunity to remind homeowners of the importance of providing proper toilet facilities to combat open defecation in the region.

Similarly, Mr. Michael Olupona, a community leader from Irun Akoko, urged Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa to support the exercise by providing more refuse disposal vehicles and other essential equipment to ensure Ondo State remains one of the cleanest states in the country.