By Jako Keke, February 28, 2026
After a decade-long silence, the broom is back in motion across Taraba State.
The reintroduction of the Monthly Sanitation exercise by the signals more than just a routine clean-up; it marks a renewed commitment to environmental responsibility and civic discipline.
Across major towns and communities, particularly in the state capital, residents turned out in impressive numbers to participate in the exercise. Streets once bustling with weekend traffic fell unusually quiet as vehicular movement was temporarily restricted to allow for thorough cleaning. The calm atmosphere created space for purposeful activity — sweeping, clearing clogged gutters, and gathering refuse.
Our correspondent who monitored the exercise observed that compliance levels were high, with many residents stepping out early to tidy their homes and immediate surroundings. Sanitation workers deployed by the agency moved strategically across key areas, reinforcing the exercise with coordinated street sweeping and waste evacuation.
In , the impact was particularly visible. Roads appeared neater, drainage channels were cleared, and public spaces wore a refreshed look by the end of the exercise. For many residents, the exercise rekindled memories of an era when environmental sanitation was a fixed monthly ritual.
Speaking on the success recorded, the Executive Chairman of the agency, Iliya Kefas Alhaji, described the turnout and compliance as encouraging. According to him, reviving the sanitation culture after a ten-year hiatus required public trust and cooperation — both of which he said were evident during the exercise.
He emphasized that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility, not solely the duty of government agencies. The Chairman commended residents for their civic consciousness and peaceful conduct throughout the restriction period, noting that the hitch-free operation demonstrated collective commitment to a healthier environment.
The agency head also acknowledged the support of Governor Agbu Kefas, whose backing he said was instrumental to the smooth reintroduction of the exercise. He reaffirmed the agency’s determination to sustain the monthly sanitation initiative as part of broader efforts to promote public health, prevent flooding caused by blocked drainage systems, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of communities.
Environmental experts have long stressed that consistent sanitation exercises reduce the spread of communicable diseases and improve overall quality of life. For Taraba, the revival of the monthly clean-up may well represent a turning point — a shift toward preventive environmental management rather than reactive intervention.
As brooms return to corners and refuse bags are hauled away, one message resonates across the state: a clean Taraba is possible when government and citizens work hand in hand.
The challenge now lies not just in sustaining the exercise, but in deepening public ownership of the sanitation culture in the months ahead.
Comments
Post a Comment