Environment commissioner embarks on post-environmental sanitation exercise to keep Calabar clean, green
The Cross River State Government is taking bold steps to transform Calabar, the State capital, into a world-class tourism hub.
As part of this effort, the government has commenced a post-environmental sanitation exercise, led by the Commissioner for Environment Hon. Moses Osogi to keep Calabar clean and green.
During the January 2025 environmental sanitation exercise, Osogi and his team took a proactive action by ordering the demolition of illegal structures, cutting down old trees, and ensuring proper waste evacuation from desilted drainages.
Osogi who doubles as the deputy chairman of Nigeria Environment Commissioners expressed reservation at the dirty environment of some business centers in the metropolis, stressing the need for residents, especially business owners, to participate in the sanitation exercise as a show of community responsibility.
According to him, this initiative is part of the State Government’s broader efforts to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
He maintained that the government has been conducting monthly environmental sanitation exercises, with the goal of restoring Calabar to its former glory as Nigeria’s cleanest city.
“With these efforts we are demonstrating our commitment to creating a clean, green, and beautiful environment that will attract tourists and promote economic growth as we live in harmony with nature.
“Cross River State is clamping down on illegal structures in urban areas and we would pull them down. This move is part of our efforts to maintain cleanliness and order, the Commissioner added.
He applauded residents for their cooperation during the period of the sanitation exercise, praising their consciousness and participation while reiterating his commitment to rewarding the cleanest street in each sanitation exercise to encourage participation. Some residents expressed delight with the sustained sanitation efforts, noting significant improvements in environmental cleanliness.
The Commissioner who was joined on enforcement by key stakeholders, including the SSA on Environment, Hon. Magnus Ntui, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Barr. Mrs. Rosemary Onah and representatives from the Calabar Urban Development Authority, NGOs, and volunteers, covered several areas, including Effio-Ette, MCC, State Housing, and Marina axis of the state.
Items ceased from defaulting traders at Watt and Marian markets who failed to heed the vehicular and human movements from 7:00am to 10:00am where shared to Bishop Brian Usanga Orphanage, Government Children Orphanage Home and Home for the Elderly in Calabar as new year gifts. As deterrent, offenders where made to pay stipulated fines in the Environmental Exercise Sanitation Court for flaunting government orders.
He finally appealed for protection of our environment from all forms of environmental pollution and degradation with strong call for synergy to stop the practice by residents.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)