The government of Ogun State has issued a seven-day ultimatum to eateries and food outlets located in the Oke-Ilewo area of Abeokuta, directing them to address concerns regarding public hygiene or face the consequences of complete closure and potential legal action.
The government has accused the establishments of consistently polluting their immediate surroundings through their unhygienic practices. Despite multiple warnings from the government, the eateries have disregarded the issue.
During an inspection visit, Mr. Ola Oresanya recently, the Commissioner for Environment, expressed his disappointment and presented the ultimatum.
He highlighted that the accumulation of fat, oil, grease, and other food waste in enclosed spaces, which were not cleaned daily, was leading to the release of toxic substances by microbes. Furthermore, the eateries were found to be discharging untreated wastewater directly into public drains.
Additionally, open holes were observed in their septic tanks, which contained fecal matter, and there were signs of poor housekeeping and rat infestation near their storage areas.
Oresanya assured that the state government’s monitoring team would continue to enforce sanitation regulations throughout the state.