The Chairman of Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti, Bayo Omojola, has warned residents against open defecation to avoid diseases and environmental pollution.

Mr Omojola issued the warning in an interview in Ikole, Ekiti, on Sunday.

He said a clean environment often promotes good health for children and adults living in the community.

Mr Omojola advised landlords to have toilet facilities in their houses and ensure that tenants have access to them.

The chairman cautioned parents not to allow their children to defecate in drains, on the roadside, or in bushes within the community.

He observed that open defecation could cause a cholera outbreak if residents do not strictly adhere to good hygiene and properly clean their environment.

“I want to warn residents to stop defecating in the environment to curb outbreaks of disease, such as cholera, among others, that can emanate from human faeces exposed in the open.

 “Health officers, as well as the local government workers, have been advocating that landlords should have toilet facilities for their tenants, but some have yet to adhere to this directive.

“We are fighting against open defecation for the benefits of our children, youths and the aged ones in our communities, and we will continue till everybody embraces a hygienic culture,” he said.

Mr Omojola assured residents of his administration’s commitment to providing quality health services across the various health centres in the local government. 

(NAN)