By Ukoko Ogheneyoleme
In a fresh push to deepen environmental sustainability and public health awareness, the Edo State Government, through the Edo State Waste Management Board (EWMB), has launched a market-focused sanitation initiative tagged “Operation Use the Waste Bin Bags.”
The initiative, aimed at encouraging proper waste disposal practices across markets in the state, saw the Board on Thursday distribute free waste bin sack bags to market women, traders, and shop owners. Beneficiaries were also cautioned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on market walkways, as part of efforts to restore cleanliness and order in major trading centres.
The exercise was led by the Managing Director of the EWMB, Dr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi, alongside officials from the Board’s Taskforce, Compliance, and Operations Departments. During the sensitisation campaign, traders were educated on the correct use of the waste bin bags, with emphasis placed on proper waste segregation, storage, and disposal as key steps toward maintaining a cleaner environment.
Speaking during the exercise, Dr. Enehita-Inegbenehi explained that the initiative aligns with the Edo State Government’s broader environmental reform agenda, which is focused on curbing indiscriminate waste disposal, improving sanitation standards, and safeguarding public health. He noted that markets remain a major focus of the sanitation drive due to the high volume of daily commercial activities they attract.
“Health is wealth. A cleaner Edo is a healthier Edo,” he said, stressing that environmental responsibility requires a collective commitment from government, traders, and residents alike.
The Board also announced the upcoming end-of-month environmental sanitation exercise scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, and called for full compliance from residents, market associations, and business owners across the state.
According to EWMB officials, the exercise will involve clearing drainage channels, removing refuse, sweeping walkways, and ensuring that waste is deposited at designated collection points. Monitoring teams will be deployed statewide to ensure adherence to sanitation guidelines.
One of the beneficiary traders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, commended the initiative, describing it as a practical intervention that would significantly improve hygiene and ease waste management challenges within market environments.
