The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has recorded a high level of compliance during its April monthly sanitation exercise, signalling renewed public participation after two months of low-key observance due to competing activities across the state.
Speaking during the exercise, the Director General of PEPSA, Samuel Dapiya, expressed satisfaction with the turnout, stressing that sanitation goes beyond a once-a-month routine.
“For us, sanitation is not just a monthly activity. It is something we do every day, from Monday to Sunday, with a strong sense of responsibility, because keeping Plateau clean and safe is a collective duty,” he said.
Dapiya noted that the April exercise was particularly significant as it coincided with a collaboration between PEPSA and the Peace Riders of Nigeria, a group of bikers drawn from across the 36 states of the federation.
He explained that the visiting bikers arrived in Jos ahead of the exercise and have lined up a series of engagements, including visits to motor parks in partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), as well as outreach programmes such as presentations at the School for the Deaf.
He described the initiative as symbolic, saying it reflects growing national support for environmental sustainability and peace-building efforts in Plateau State.
“If Plateau were not peaceful, we would not see people travelling long distances to participate in activities like this. This is a clear indication that Plateau remains the Home of Peace and Tourism,” Dapiya added.
While acknowledging that the state experienced some tension in recent times, the PEPSA boss said there are strong indications that normalcy is returning, as residents are once again actively participating in public initiatives.
He also commended the state government for its support, noting that improved collaboration, including international partnerships, has strengthened the agency’s operations.
Beyond the monthly sanitation exercise, Dapiya revealed that PEPSA has intensified community-level interventions, citing recent activities in Angwan Rukuba and ongoing partnerships with non-governmental organisations such as EBOMI.
Ahead of the rainy season, he urged residents to take proactive steps in maintaining their environment, particularly by clearing gutters and drainage systems around homes and business premises.
“Do not wait for the government. Take responsibility by desilting gutters near you. When that is done, we can come in to evacuate the waste,” he advised.
He further disclosed that the agency will commence large-scale desilting of major waterways across the state from the first week of May to mitigate flooding risks.
Dapiya warned that flooding often affects even those who are not directly responsible for environmental negligence, underscoring the need for collective action.
He also appreciated the support of traders’ unions, community leaders, and other stakeholders, including the Miyetti Allah community and youth groups, for their continued cooperation in promoting a cleaner and safer Plateau.
