Nigeria @ 66: NOA Commends Osun Sanitation Taskforce, Seeks Relief For Flood Victims

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Osun State Directorate, has commended the Osun State Government for inaugurating a Special Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation, while calling for urgent relief assistance for residents and business owners affected by recent flooding in the state.

The State Director of NOA, Adebiyi Adefarasin Stephen, gave the commendation in his Independence Day message to Nigerians as the country marked its 66th anniversary on Thursday.

Adebiyi described the anniversary as an opportunity for sober reflection, renewed patriotism and collective commitment to nation-building, urging Nigerians to promote unity, peace, tolerance and civic responsibility.

He praised the state government for establishing the sanitation taskforce, chaired by the Head of Service, Samuel Ayanleye Aina, describing the initiative as a timely intervention to address indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads, road medians and drainage channels.

According to him, the NOA will collaborate with the state government and the taskforce to intensify public enlightenment on proper waste disposal, regular clearing of drainage channels and the dangers of erecting structures on waterways.

He urged residents to support the government’s efforts by embracing responsible environmental practices, warning that indiscriminate waste disposal and obstruction of drainage channels could worsen flooding.

The NOA director also expressed sympathy with residents and business owners affected by recent flooding in Oke-Ijetu, the Fountain University axis, Ilesa Garage, Koka-Ijesa, Ogo-Oluwa and other parts of the state.

He appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to urgently assess the affected communities and provide relief materials to alleviate the suffering of victims.

Adebiyi further advised residents of flood-prone communities to heed early warnings, avoid dumping refuse in drains and refrain from constructing buildings on waterways.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to promoting civic responsibility, environmental awareness and peaceful coexistence, while wishing Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.