The Anambra State Government has shut down several student hostels, churches, commercial premises and a market in Awka South Local Government Area for violating environmental sanitation regulations.
The action followed the state’s declaration of an environmental sanitation emergency in response to worsening environmental conditions caused by indiscriminate refuse disposal and blocked drainage channels. As part of the initiative, Saturday, July 4, 2026, was observed as Environmental Sanitation Day, with movement restricted between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., except for essential workers.
During the enforcement exercise, officials of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra sealed facilities including Emmanuel Lodge, Mandona Lodge, Love Ambassadors Ministry, Lucky Up Shops, Eto Lodge, First Choice Lodge, Gift Lodge, Dominion City, Don Greg UNIZIK Park and Eke Nibo Market for breaching sanitation standards.
Authorities also ordered a structural integrity assessment on Emmanuel Lodge in Ifite after inspectors noticed visible cracks on the building that could pose a safety risk.
Speaking during the operation, the Commander of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra in Awka South LGA, Prince Ikechukwu Ndigwe, said inspections uncovered serious sanitation offences at the affected locations.
“This sanitation exercise is carried out under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s ‘Operation Keep Anambra Clean’ initiative, which promotes environmental sanitation, public health and public safety across the state.
“During the inspection, the affected facilities were sealed after it was discovered that they violated sanitation laws. Some of the affected facilities had been discharging wastewater, including sewage from toilets, into public drainage channels, creating health hazards for residents.
“In one of the student lodges, refuse was seen littering the premises while drainage systems remained blocked due to poor sanitation. The caretaker of the property will be prosecuted for allegedly channeling wastewater into public drains. Such an act is a criminal offence under the state’s environmental laws.”
Ndigwe added that the affected hostel was already under a valid court order authorising its closure. He warned that anyone who obstructs or attacks enforcement officers during official duties would face prosecution.
He further disclosed that the institution’s management, including the Dean of Student Affairs and the Student Union leadership, had been informed to support the exercise.
He also urged residents and students to promptly report buildings showing signs of structural defects, noting that a monitoring committee had been established to identify distressed structures and other environmental hazards.
Also speaking, the enforcement leader for the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Nwachukwu Obiorah, said the cracks observed on the building made a detailed structural assessment necessary. He encouraged members of the public to report unsafe buildings to the appropriate authorities to prevent possible collapse.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and maintaining a clean and safe environment, adding that material testing experts would determine the building’s structural condition before further action is taken.
Officials said the sanitation exercise recorded a high level of compliance across the state. Commissioner for Environment Clem Aguiyi described residents’ participation as encouraging.
“It’s a gradual process. People are aware and participating. For a first-timer, I am highly impressed with the large turnout and also impressed with the people’s excitement.
“The whole idea of what we do today is to ensure that our drainages are cleared and free ahead of this year’s flooding. The exercise is just the commencement of a chain of events that will be undertaken by the Ministry of Environment in the days ahead.
“The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to combat gully erosion and flooding in the state.”
Aguiyi urged residents to make environmental cleanliness a daily habit rather than limiting it to monthly sanitation exercises.
Governor Soludo’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Ebuka Onyekwelu, said the exercise aligns with the administration’s vision of making Anambra a “clean, green, livable and prosperous homeland” and commended residents for supporting the initiative.
