In a bid to prevent a potential cholera outbreak and ensure international sanitation standards, kakalistiq.com reports that the youth and stakeholders of Epe Local Government have rallied together, calling for enhanced cleanliness at the iconic Oluwo Market. This market, known for attracting both local and international tourists and seafood buyers, is at the heart of the community’s economic activity.
On Saturday, July 6th, 2024, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Epe branch, under the leadership of Comrade Moibi Ibrahim, organized a comprehensive clean-up exercise and community sensitization event to address the pressing issue of environmental hygiene.
Comrade Ibrahim, speaking during the event, emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness to prevent cholera. “We selected Oluwo market as one of the International markets in Nigeria because, in Epe, you can get the best fish for your loved ones, and your family, for events and other engagements. We believe that when people come and get those fish, you must get them in a clean and healthy environment and if not, cholera diseases can be contracted,” he said.
He further highlighted the youth council’s support for the government and the urgency inspired by recent cholera cases. “The 31 cases recorded in Lagos and 1 in Epe are enough reason to gather youths in the community for clean-up exercise and community sanitation against the deadly cholera disease,” Comrade Ibrahim noted.
The Lagos NYCN State Treasurer, Comrade Ogunbanwo Ibrahim, assured that the youth body would work in tandem with the Lagos State Government to tackle the sanitation issues raised by traders. “Looking at it holistically, we are all taking responsibility because the major commodities sold here are meant to be found healthy for consumption. As regards the challenges of the traders, I’m sure that the Youth Council in Epe and the LG Environmental officers will do the needful. On our part at the State, we will work on how we can partner with the State Government and the Youth Council structure to ensure the cholera outbreak becomes something of the past,” he said.
Comrade Ladele Ismail, former NYCN Epe branch Coordinator and SSA to the Epe Local Government Chairman on Special Duties, echoed the need for urgent attention to the traders’ concerns. “The challenges highlighted by the traders are critical and must be attended to curtail the outbreak of cholera,” he stressed.
Idowu Adeyoye Adeyemi, Head of the Department of Environment of Epe Local Government, noted the exercise’s impact and assured that the concerns raised by traders would be communicated to the relevant authorities for prompt action. Supporting this sentiment, Sanitarian Rahman emphasized the importance of unity in maintaining high sanitation standards at Oluwo Market.
Earlier, Sanitarian Ogunleye Adekunle educated the market populace on cholera prevention, stressing the need for environmental cleanliness to prevent the spread of the disease. “Environmental cleanliness is critical to the prevention of cholera as houseflies perching on edible substances transmit the disease,” he explained. He also advised on proper waste disposal, avoiding open defecation, and ensuring thorough handwashing.
The traders, grateful for the intervention, called for better waste management and flood prevention measures from their colleagues. Mrs. Idayat Ismail pleaded for prompt waste disposal services from LAWMA or PSP operators and highlighted the issue of market flooding due to blocked drainages.
Sanitarian Ogunleye, in response, urged the traders to adhere to waste disposal agreements and report any breaches to the Local Government. His counterpart, Mr Rahman also emphasized the importance of using clean water during food preparation and conducting regular health checks for food handlers.
The Market Youth, represented by Mr. Sunday Adeeko, pledged their support for the sanitation initiative. “We will take up the responsibility of ensuring adequate sanitation by taking concrete action for food safety and prevention of the cholera outbreak,” he affirmed.
This collaborative effort between the youth, traders, and local government officials signifies a proactive approach to safeguarding the health of the Epe community and upholding the market’s reputation as a premier destination for quality seafood.
