By Sylvia Okoi
The Cross River State Government, through the Ministry of Environment, has undertaken a decisive action to demolish illegal structures and shanties located in various parts of Calabar, the state capital.
This operation was carried out during the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, spearheaded the demolition team, emphasizing the negative impact that unauthorized buildings and wooden shacks have on the city’s aesthetics.
He noted that those structures not only spoil the environment’s serenity but also present significant challenges to the free flow of both human and vehicular movement in the area.
The sanitation drive which took an innovative turn this month, with the Commissioner indicating that the initiative aimed to address pressing environmental issues, adding, “We had previously announced that this month’s exercise would proceed without movement restrictions, due to the JAMB UMTE Mop-up examination.
“Thus, we deemed it prudent to inspect residential homes, markets, and other areas, and the results were quite revealing,” Osogi disclosed.
Highlighting the unsatisfactory sanitary conditions of certain food processing areas, the Environment Commissioner voiced serious concerns regarding the cleanliness standards of some bakeries. He specifically referenced a local bakery, ‘My Love Bread’, situated in Calabar South, which was subsequently ordered to close for failing to meet hygiene standards.
Osogi warned food producers across the State that unsanitary environments are significant contributors to potential disease outbreaks.
In discussing the State’s strategy for addressing environmental challenges, he acknowledged the increasing urgency of erosion control, particularly with the onset of the rainy season.
He asserted that the government is proactively desilting drainages to facilitate proper water flow. He urged residents to contribute to these efforts by maintaining their surroundings, clearing drainages, and practicing proper waste disposal.
“The government cannot do it alone; everyone has a role to play. Keeping your surroundings clean is paramount for your well-being,” he reiterated. Osogi’s message underscored the government’s appeal for citizen involvement in promoting environmental health.
During the sanitation exercise, the Commissioner commended residents who actively participated in the cleanup efforts and rewarded some individuals with cash gifts and called for continued communal participation in future initiatives.
According to him, the gesture was aimed at fostering goodwill and civic pride among the populace.
“This month’s sanitation exercise highlights the importance of maintaining safe and hygienic conditions,” the Commissioner explained, as he inspected various residential areas, factories, and markets. The inspection aimed to promote awareness about environmental issues and encourage compliance with health standards.
In separate interviews, community members expressed their appreciation for Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to maintaining a clean state. Many residents pledged their ongoing participation in the monthly sanitation exercises, noting observable improvements in the local environment since the initiative’s launch.