Borno re-introduces weekly sanitation, fumigation in Maiduguri

Hoping to tap into the gradual return of peace in the Borno state and restore the once aesthetic beauty of Maiduguri, the state capital, Governor Kashim Shettima said the state is set to re-introduce the Saturday weekly “Sanitation and Fumigation” exercise in Maiduguri metropolis.

Environmental and health issues have been a major challenge in the state, following Boko Haram insurgency in the state.

But the governor, who disclosed this during the clean up of the central market and its environs to mark Nigerian Army Day celebration in Maiduguri, noted with dismay that cleanup and sanitation exercise was not conducted for over six years of Boko Haram insurgency in the state.

He said: “For the last six or seven years, this market has not been cleaned up and fumigated, until today, when troops
of 7 Division cleaned up the market in the streets and roads leading to this
market built in the early 1980’s.

“We also thanked the military for not only fighting Boko Haram insurgents but the cleanup of this market, including the General Post Office Areas and Baban Layi that links to Dandal way up to Shehu’s palace.

The Governor who was represented by Borno State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Kaka Shehu Lawan, thereafter urged residents of Maiduguri and traders to sustain the sanitation and cleanup exercise launched by the Nigerian Army.

He stressed that the state will reintroduce the weekly Saturday sanitation exercise to keep the environment clean and tidy with peace gradually returning to this state capital of Borno.”

He said the sanitation exercise would also promote military/civilian relationship; which in return boost the morale of troops in fighting Boko Haram insurgency to the finish.

To the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 7 Division of Nigerian Army; Brig-Gen. Victor Ezugwu who flagged off the exercise, the cleanup and sweeping of the market and its environs is an
indication that Boko Haram insurgents are weakened with return of peace into Borno state.

“Today, as part to mark our Army Day Celebration in 2016, we decided to come and sweep the Monday market ‎ because for years this kind of
sanitation has not taken placed. We attribute this to the present peace we are enjoying in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.” He added.

The Army -General was also appreciative of the host communities for coming out in
large numbers to support the exercise organized by troops of 7 Division .