By: Sylvia Okoi
The Cross River State Government is taking bold steps to transform Calabar, the state capital, into a world-class tourism hub.
As part of this effort, the Government has commenced a post-environmental sanitation exercise, led by Commissioner for Environment Hon. Moses Osogi to sustainably keep Calabar clean and green.
During the January 2025 environmental sanitation exercise, Osogi and his team took a proactive approach, by directing the demolition of illegal structures, cutting down old trees, and ensuring proper waste evacuation from desilted drainages.
The Commissioner expressed disappointment at the dirty environment of most business centres in the metropolis, emphasizing the need for residents, especially business owners, to participate in the sanitation exercise as a show of community responsibility.
According to him, this initiative is part of the State Government’s broader efforts to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
Osogi maintained that the government has been conducting monthly environmental sanitation exercises, with the goal of restoring Calabar to its former glory as Nigeria’s cleanest city.
“With these efforts we are demonstrating our commitment to creating a clean, green, and beautiful environment that will attract tourists and promote economic growth as we live in harmony with nature.
“Cross River State is cracking down on illegal structures in urban areas and we would pull them down. This move is part of our efforts to maintain cleanliness and order, the Commissioner added.
He applauded residents for their cooperation during the period of the sanitation exercise, praising their consciousness and participation while reiterating his commitment to rewarding the cleanest street in each sanitation exercise to encourage participation.
Some residents expressed delight with the sustained sanitation efforts, noting significant improvements in environmental cleanliness.
The Commissioner who was joined on enforcement by key stakeholders, including the SSA on Environment , Hon. Magnus Ntui, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Barr. Mrs. Rosemary Onah and representatives from the Calabar Urban Development Authority, NGOs, and volunteers, covered several areas, including Effioette, MCC, State Housing, and Marina axis.