The Abia State Government has reinstated sanitary inspectors across all 17 local government areas. This move, approved by Governor Alex Otti, was announced by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, during a meeting with heads of environmental health departments in Umuahia.
Ogbonna explained that the decision is aimed at restoring effective sanitation control and reducing health risks. He described the inspectors as vital to maintaining clean environments and preventing disease outbreaks in local communities.
Strict Professional Standards Emphasized
The commissioner urged all environmental health officers to renew their professional licenses. He made it clear that only those with up-to-date certifications will work with the government. Abia, he noted, has over 130 environmental officers covering 520 sanitary zones. With their reinstatement, the government expects them to deliver efficient and quality service.
Ogbonna assured them that the state will soon announce a date for a formal inauguration to officially relaunch the program.
State Officials Support the Initiative
Also present at the meeting were Mr. Ogbonnaya Okereke, General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), and Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment. Both officials praised the return of the inspectors and emphasized their role in sustaining the governor’s vision for a cleaner Abia.
“Abia is no longer the dirtiest state in the country,” Iheukwumere said. “We must work together to maintain this progress.”
Field Officers Highlight Major Setbacks
During the session, environmental officers shared the difficulties they face in the field. Mr. Obi Ejike Udegha from Umuahia North and Mrs. Onyinyechi Nwaigwe from Obingwa pointed out challenges like lack of transportation, poor funding, political interference, and obstruction from local opinion leaders.
They called on the government to provide more support, saying these issues hinder their ability to work effectively.
With this renewed focus, the state government is sending a strong message: public health and environmental sanitation are top priorities in Abia.
