The Abia State Government has officially suspended the monthly environmental sanitation exercise scheduled for Saturday, April 26. This is to allow for free movement to enable thousands of students sitting for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME),
The decision, announced on Thursday by the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, was made to ensure that candidates can travel freely and arrive at their designated Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) centers without delay or restrictions. The UTME is a critical gateway for students seeking admission into Nigerian universities, and the state government says it will not allow logistical hurdles to jeopardize their chances.
While the formal state-sanctioned sanitation exercise has been called off, the government is urging residents not to drop the ball on cleanliness. In a public statement, the Environment Ministry encouraged every household to take the initiative in cleaning their surroundings, gutters, and nearby drainages to help sustain environmental hygiene across the state.
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Ogbonna reiterated that although the organized clean-up will not take place, personal responsibility remains vital in preventing disease outbreaks and protecting public health. He stressed that environmental hygiene is not just a government affair but a shared duty that starts from the home.
The state government also extended its gratitude to the public for their understanding, describing the cancellation as a temporary but necessary measure to accommodate a national examination of immense importance. It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy Abia while supporting educational advancement across all levels.
This proactive gesture from Governor Alex Otti’s administration is being praised as a well-balanced decision that puts students first while keeping public health awareness alive—a blend of compassion and accountability that residents hope to see more of in governance going forward.
