The Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA), in collaboration with the Al-Mu'minat Women Organisation, has launched a sanitation advocacy campaign at Oja-Oba Market in Ilorin, the state capital, to promote hygiene and curb public health risks linked to poor waste disposal.

Speaking to Arewa PUNCH during the exercise, Mrs. Fasilat Tajudeen, Head of Waste Management at KWEPA, who represented General Manager Hon. Jide Aina, warned traders against the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in and around the market.

She stressed that unhygienic market conditions pose serious health hazards, including the spread of infectious diseases, and called for collective responsibility in maintaining cleanliness.

"Cleanliness is essential to human development and must not be taken lightly," Tajudeen said. "Market women and traders must adopt proper waste disposal practices and cooperate with KWEPA officials during sanitation exercises."

The campaign includes public education, waste collection drives, and engagement with market leaders to institutionalise sustainable hygiene practices.

The KWEPA boss assured that the agency remains committed to fostering a safe, healthy environment across the state.

Also speaking, the Vice Amirah of the Al-Mu'minat Women Organisation, Hajia Ganiyat Mustapha, noted that the initiative was part of activities marking the group's 30th anniversary, adding that environmental sanitation is a key component of their community service agenda.

"Markets are daily centres of human interaction and must be kept clean to safeguard public health. We are committed to supporting government agencies to raise awareness on hygiene and sustainable waste management," Mustapha maintained.

The event featured interactive sessions with traders, distribution of waste disposal materials, and awareness talks on the health dangers of poor sanitation.

Both KWEPA and the Al-Mu'minat pledged to sustain the collaboration to ensure Ilorin markets remain clean, safe, and conducive for trading.