The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, on Saturday urged corporate organisations to participate in the sanitation and waste management across the state.
Osikoya made the plea while briefing newsmen in Lokoja, after the June edition of the monthly environmental sanitation.
She said that the state government needed their support in terms of provision and donation of sanitation equipment, trucks and waste bins for community service.
“It is exciting that the faith-based organisations and communities are actually cooperating with the state government, especially on sanitation matter; but we are still waiting for corporate organisations.
“The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Province 3 are on ground today with over 100 members as volunteers, students, groups and NYSC members participated in the June edition of sanitation.
“Government will continue with the sensitisation and awareness campaign.
“We are appealing to all stakeholders to join us and let the law to take its course on the offenders,” Osikoya said.
The commissioner said that the state government would commence the implementation and enforcement of premises inspection on July 1.
Pastor Emmanuel Uruogha, the Pastor in- charge of the Redeemed Church, Kogi Province 3, said that it was part of the church’s responsibility to clean its environment and encourage people to do same.
Uruogha said that the initiative was established five years ago tagged: “Social Responsibility Unit (SRU)’’ by the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
According to him, this is to give back to the community in every area like sanitation, education, healthcare, among others.
The cleric advised the state government to do more in the area of publicity by mobilising the people to clean their environment for a healthy living.
Also, Mr Edward Ebouka, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operations, commended the RCCG for participating in the sanitation.
“It is important that religious bodies lead in so many aspects of the society, because the spiritual control the physical.
“We urge the leaders to cooperate and encouraging their followers to support the government.
“As law enforcement agencies, our job is to assist every sector of the state, in which environment is the key particularly in Kogi state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two Mobile Courts were on ground to prosecute sanitation offenders with the option of fine ranging from N500 to N2, 500 as fine. (NAN)