35th Anniversary: Osun NUJ Tasks Residents, Organisations on Environmental Sanitation

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, Comrade (Dr.) Adeyemi Aboderin, has called on residents, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to support the state government’s sanitation drive, stressing that collective action is essential to achieving a clean, healthy and safe environment.

Aboderin made the call on Wednesday during an environmental sanitation exercise organised by the union as part of activities marking its 35th anniversary and 2026 Press Week.

He explained that the exercise was designed to complement the Osun State Government’s efforts following its declaration of an emergency in the sanitation sector, noting that journalists had a responsibility to contribute to community development beyond their professional duties.

“There is a saying that health is wealth, and we want to harp on that to contribute our quota towards ensuring a healthy and sanitised environment,” Aboderin said.

He urged other organisations, professional associations and community groups to dedicate time to environmental sanitation, noting that even one or two hours of collective effort could make a significant difference in keeping public spaces clean and supporting the government’s objectives.

“Government cannot do it alone,” he said, adding that the union was committed to promoting environmental awareness and encouraging residents to take greater responsibility for the cleanliness of their surroundings.

Aboderin called on individuals, households, businesses and community leaders to cultivate the habit of proper waste disposal and ensure that drainage channels around their premises were kept free of refuse.

He stressed that sustained public participation and regular sanitation practices were necessary to prevent environmental hazards and maintain a healthier society.

Speaking during the exercise, the General Manager of the Osun Waste Management Agency, Oyewole Fatai Oladosu, commended the NUJ for incorporating environmental sanitation into its anniversary activities, describing a clean environment as a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of everyone.

Oladosu urged residents to make cleanliness a daily habit, warning that dirty surroundings and overgrown vegetation could harbour dangerous animals, including snakes and scorpions, and expose residents to avoidable health and safety risks.

He also advised journalists to prioritise their personal health through regular medical check-ups, physical exercise and healthy eating, stressing that the demands of their profession should not prevent them from taking proper care of themselves.

“There is no profession that is so busy to the extent that one cannot take care of oneself. Your health is paramount,” he said.

Oladosu explained that clearing drainage channels would promote the free flow of stormwater and help reduce the risk of flooding, while removing refuse and overgrown vegetation would improve environmental hygiene and public safety.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Osun NUJ Environmental Sanitation Committee, Adegboye Saheed Adetunji, emphasised the need for residents to maintain clean and hygienic surroundings,

Adetunji described environmental sanitation as a collective responsibility that should not be limited to government-led campaigns.

He further commended the NUJ leadership for supporting the sanitation initiative, expressing hope that the exercise would encourage residents to embrace environmental cleanliness as a continuous responsibility rather than an activity reserved for special occasions.

The exercise involved clearing drainage channels, removing debris and refuse, cutting overgrown grasses and sweeping public spaces. Residents of neighbouring communities also participated in the exercise.

The sanitation exercise was one of the activities lined up for the NUJ Osun State Council’s week-long 35th anniversary and 2026 Press Week celebration.