Ekiti government investigates bad smell, urges calm

The Ekiti State Government has asked residents to stay calm after complaints about a bad smell in parts of Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

Taiwo Olatunbosun, the State Commissioner for Information, assured residents that the government is focused on protecting lives and ensuring their safety and well-being.

In a statement released in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, Olatunbosun said, "The state government has continued coordinated investigations, inspections and surveillance across locations where reports of an obnoxious odour have been received, as part of efforts to address any environmental nuisance associated with the situation."

He mentioned that the government started these investigations after receiving reports from residents. They are working with relevant institutions and experts to understand the situation, share information, and find out where the smell is coming from.

Olatunbosun promised that the government will keep investigating and take necessary steps to handle any environmental or public health issues in the state.

He added, "The surveillance and inspection exercises have so far identified activities capable of contributing to environmental nuisance and foul odours, including indiscriminate sewage disposal, poor waste management practices and the discharge of decomposed materials into public channels."

Appropriate actions have been taken against those responsible, including prosecution, sealing off problem areas, clearing nuisances, and fumigating affected zones to reduce the odour.

The commissioner said the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources is also conducting air and gas tests to gather scientific data that could help find the nature and source of the smell.

He assured residents that "the situation is being closely monitored. The state government is working with relevant agencies and experts to ensure that the matter is properly investigated and appropriate measures taken to normalise the situation."

Olatunbosun urged residents to keep calm and avoid spreading unverified information, saying this could lead to unnecessary panic and worsen the situation.

He also asked anyone with useful information to quickly contact the right authorities, especially the state Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, using the dedicated telephone number 08145571085.

The commissioner reminded everyone of the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration’s promise to protect the environment and ensure a clean, safe, and healthy space for all Ekiti State residents.