The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area, Ms. Surah Animashaun, has issued a stern call to traders at the Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets, warning that poor hygiene will no longer be tolerated in the interest of public health.
During a visit to the market hubs on Saturday, Animashaun emphasized that maintaining a clean trading environment is not just a preference but a necessity to prevent the outbreak of communicable diseases.
Speaking with market leaders and vendors, the Council Chairman highlighted that waste management in fish markets requires “extra care” due to the nature of the goods sold. She urged traders to take personal ownership of their stalls and the surrounding areas.
“Environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility,” Animashaun stated. “Everyone must be involved in this development to ensure we don’t have a health crisis on our hands.”
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She urges the traders to use designated bins and avoid the indiscriminate dumping of refuse and to also ensure regular and deep cleaning of stalls and drainage paths.
The local government will strictly enforce environmental laws, with sanctions waiting for defaulters.
Beyond hygiene, the Chairman raised a red flag regarding safety. Pointing to a history of motor accidents near the Aiyetoro market area, she warned traders to immediately stop displaying their wares by the roadside.
“We urge traders to stop selling on the roadside to avoid accidents. Several incidents have already occurred, and we must prioritize the lives of both traders and commuters,” she added.
To support the traders, Ms. Animashaun assured the market community that the Council remains committed to providing adequate waste disposal facilities. She also promised regular monitoring to ensure that high standards of cleanliness are sustained.
The visit concluded with a reminder that a healthy market environment is the backbone of a thriving local economy, and the Council would continue to monitor compliance in the coming weeks.
