The Ekiti state government has warned commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as okada, to comply with environmental laws, particularly restrictions on movement during the monthly sanitation exercise.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, issued the warning in Ado Ekiti during this month’s exercise, expressing concern that the activities of some riders were disrupting operations.

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She said adherence to environmental regulations was critical to maintaining a clean and healthy environment, and urged riders to cooperate fully with government directives.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Sunday Omoya, said the sanitation exercise was not limited to movement restrictions but required active participation from residents in cleaning their surroundings.

He added that the task force made provisions for candidates sitting the JAMB mock examination, allowing them free movement during the exercise.

Omoya urged residents to adopt regular sanitation practices as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The sanitation task force, led by Ayodele Aluko, director of environmental health and sanitation in the ministry of environment and natural resources, monitored compliance in areas including Nova Road, Adebayo, Basiri, Ile Abiye, Okesa and Fajuyi, where authorities recorded a high level of compliance.

About 50 violators were arrested and prosecuted during the exercise.

In a related development, an environmental non-governmental organisation supported efforts to maintain a cleaner and flood-free environment by clearing debris from drainage channels at Oja Oba in Ado Ekiti.