The Executive Chairman of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Alhaji AbdulRahman Olanrewaju Adepoju, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to occupants of certain buildings in the Akintola/Ekotedo area, instructing them to vacate the premises or face legal consequences. This directive is aimed at preventing potential loss of lives due to the weak structural integrity of the buildings.
The Chairman made this decision during an on-the-spot assessment tour of the Akintola area, following reports of a cholera outbreak. According to the Chairman, cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, usually transmitted through contaminated food and water. He emphasized the need for immediate action to contain the spread of the disease within the council area.
He stated, “After extensive inspection in the area, occupants of houses with weakened structures have been given seven days to vacate. This measure is necessary to prevent any tragic incidents in case of sudden building collapses.”
Additionally, the Council Boss directed that houses with filled-up toilets be sealed until proper evacuation of the soakaways is completed by the occupants. He also announced plans to construct public toilets in the area to curb open defecation, with penalties for violators.
The Chairman noted that some wells in the area require chlorination and proper covering to ensure they are safe for drinking. He ordered the immediate closure of wells dug too close to toilets.
Alhaji Adepoju called on all relevant agencies to work together in preventing the spread of cholera in the council area. He highlighted that about 30 states in Nigeria are currently experiencing cholera outbreaks, stressing the importance of proactive measures at both the local and state levels.
He urged residents to maintain cleanliness by regularly sweeping their surroundings, properly disposing of waste, and keeping their toilets clean. He also advised nursing mothers to be vigilant about what their children eat, drink, and where they play.
The Chairman emphasized that cholera is a highly contagious disease that must be prevented from breaking out in any community, as it can lead to loss of lives if not adequately managed. He also urged food vendors to prepare meals under hygienic conditions, as cholera can be contracted through contaminated food and water.
Alhaji Adepoju commended the Oyo State government, led by Governor Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, for its proactive efforts to prevent cholera outbreaks in the state. He called on everyone in the state to cooperate with health workers by reporting any unusual symptoms to nearby healthcare facilities for prompt treatment.
In a related development, the Chairman made an unscheduled inspection visit to the ongoing renovation project at the NSCDC office in Ekotedo. He expressed satisfaction with the progress and confirmed that the commissioning would take place soon.
The Chairman also visited Oke Seni to inspect the recently completed bridge project, which was constructed to facilitate easy passage for motorists and ensure free flow of water. He stressed that measures would be put in place to prevent the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drainage, which could lead to blockages.
Accompanying the Chairman on the tour were the Leader of the House, Councillors, Supervisors, Special Assistants, and Chief of Staff. Also present were the Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Rachael Olabode, department heads, a medical team, environmental officers, and NSCDC officials from the Akintola/Ekotedo Division.
