The Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation (RECEF) has voiced serious concerns over the worsening state of cleanliness and waste management in Kogi State, with a particular focus on Lokoja, the state capital. In a statement released on Friday, Idris Ozovehe Muraina, the Executive Director of RECEF, highlighted the growing crisis despite previous efforts to address the issue.
Muraina pointed out that the "Operation Clean the City" initiative, launched earlier this year by the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, has not yielded the desired results. Instead, the cleanliness of Lokoja has continued to decline, endangering public health and environmental safety.
"The streets from Lokongoma to the New Market/NATACO axis are now inundated with uncollected waste, turning our once vibrant city into a hotspot for diseases and environmental hazards," Muraina said. He further criticized the situation at the dumpsite near the Felele area, close to the Federal University permanent site, describing it as "dangerous" and noting that the area now resembles a potential breeding ground for cholera rather than a clean city.
Muraina called on the Honourable Commissioner of Environment and Ecological Management and the Kogi State Waste Management Board to address the issue urgently. He emphasized that the current conditions are unacceptable and pose significant risks to public health and the environment.
"The present state of affairs demands immediate action. It is crucial to clean our streets, manage waste effectively, and restore the city's cleanliness and beauty," he stated.
RECEF has offered its support and collaboration to the government and relevant agencies to tackle this pressing issue. Muraina urged authorities to intensify their efforts, implement effective waste management strategies, and work with stakeholders to address the challenge comprehensively.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, RECEF remains committed to working alongside the government and other agencies to ensure a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable environment for the residents of Kogi State.
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