By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

The importance of community sanitation, particularly within market environments, has once again been brought to the fore as a key measure for promoting healthy living.

This was the central message delivered by Sanitarian Paul Obitusin, an Environmental Officer, during a community cleaning exercise held at Ughele Maroko Market in Ondo city.

The initiative, which took place on Saturday, was organised by the Rolan Foundation to foster hygiene and cleanliness among market men and women.

Speaking at the event, Obitusin underscored the health risks associated with poor environmental hygiene.

He warned that filthy surroundings could serve as breeding grounds for both known and unknown diseases, thereby endangering lives.

“Pollution has a direct impact on life expectancy, mental well-being, and overall quality of life,” he said, lamenting how poor waste management practices, especially improper disposal of plastics and other materials significantly contribute to environmental pollution.

He further advocated for the implementation of stricter regulations on industrial emissions and waste disposal, noting that such measures were critical to curbing pollution and its associated dangers.

Earlier in her remarks, the Ondo State Coordinator of the Rolan Foundation, Mrs Adenike Sanusi, reaffirmed the organisation’s unwavering commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle through environmental advocacy.

She noted that pollution, in its various forms, air, water, soil and noise, poses grave threats not only to human health but also to ecosystems and the sustainability of the planet.

“Pollution is largely driven by human activities such as industrialisation and urbanisation,” she explained.

“It is responsible for a wide range of health issues including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, infections, and even cancer. Air pollution, for instance, can trigger asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease, while contaminated water sources are known to cause cholera and gastrointestinal disorders.”

Sanusi also delivered a passionate message to the crowd, stating: “Better environment, better tomorrow. Love where you live, keep it clean. Think green, act clean, make a difference. Say no to open defecation, say no to cholera. Environmental pollution is deadly.”

She urged traders and residents alike to make cleanliness a daily practice in order to reduce the spread of diseases in society.

In a show of solidarity, the Iyaloja of Ondo Kingdom, Chief (Mrs) Silesola Akintewe, represented by the Secretary, Chief (Mrs) Bukola Akinniyi, applauded the Rolan Foundation for taking the bold step of engaging the market community. She called on all traders to always maintain cleanliness in and around their stalls.