Writing By Daniel Karlmax Editing By Godwin Duru
A coalition of scientists, geologists, environmental journalists, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups has commended the Kaduna State Government for its decision to reintroduce the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
The commendation was made during the August edition of the Kaduna Climate Media Hangout in Kaduna State.
The hangout was organized by the Desk on Climate Change and Environmental Issues at the Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC), in collaboration with African Climate Reporters (ACR) and the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change.
The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders to review and discuss the state’s environmental policies and challenges.
Participants at the gathering praised the state government’s renewed commitment to a cleaner and healthier environment.
According to them, the decision to reinstate the sanitation exercise — set to commence at the end of September 2025, marks a significant step towards achieving a greener and more sustainable Kaduna.
Speaking during the roundtable discussion, Comrade Yahaya Mohammed, Controller General of the Safety Awareness and Environmental Support Initiative (SAESI), confirmed that the sanitation exercise will take place on the last Saturday of every month.
He stated that the exercise would last for three hours, during which residents are expected to stay at home and clean their surroundings.
He further disclosed that relevant laws and policies are currently being developed to support the initiative and ensure full compliance.
Mohammed urged the public to actively participate in the exercise and emphasized the importance of sustained public awareness campaigns on environmental hygiene.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Samson Auta, Co-Director of the Interfaith Mediation Centre, encouraged citizens to take personal responsibility for their environments.
On his part, Dr. Abubakar Shafiu, Head of Research and Diagnostics at African Climate Reporters and a lecturer at the School of Health Science and Technology, Kaduna, underscored the link between environmental cleanliness and public health.
He explained that many of the diseases affecting humans and animals such as cholera and typhoid are closely tied to improper waste disposal and environmental neglect.
Similarly, the African Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies (AIWES) lauded the state government’s decision.
Its Registrar, Dr. Abdullateef Tayo, emphasized the importance of collaboration among environmental organizations in sensitizing the public.
He described the reintroduction of the monthly sanitation exercise as a crucial step in combating preventable diseases and fostering a culture of hygiene.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change, Mallam Yusuf Idris, expressed appreciation to the organizers of the Climate Media Hangout.
He called on residents to support government initiatives aimed at addressing environmental and climate challenges
Media professionals at the forum were urged to amplify stories around climate action and explore new opportunities in carbon credit and environmental journalism.
Daniel Karlmax
