The Elders Forum of Environmental Health Officers of Nigeria in collaboration with the Oyo State Chapter of the association headed by Sanitarian Adegoke Tijani on Monday, 10th February 2025 Inaugurated the Disciplinary Committee for the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State branch.
The Committee consists of 7 members, 6 of which are Rtd Senior Health Officers up to the rank of Heads of Local Government Administration & Director with the current President of the Environmental Health Officers as the 7th person.
The Inauguration which was held at the Local Government Service Commission Staff Training School complex had in attendance the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola and his colleague from the Ministry of Education, Prof. Abdulwaheed Adelabu who was ably represented.
It should be on record that with this Environmental Disciplinary Committee, Oyo State remains the only state throughout Nigeria with such a committee, setting the pace for others to follow.
While speaking with Journalists, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Mogbonjubola stated that Oyo State has once again demonstrated leadership by taking the lead in the resuscitation and Inauguration of the committee which will bring professionalism to the work of Environmental Health Officers. “It is only in Oyo State that we have this committee and it will bring value to all Environmental Health Officers in the State, as we expect the best from them”
When asked about the preparedness of the State Government as we await the raining season, the Commissioner Stated that the State Government cleared some waterways, and drainages late last year, and at the same time expanded some bridges. He assured the public that the same activities will be carried out before the commencement of rain to avert disaster, he further admonished the general public to comply with Environmental laws, by not dumping refuse on the median, waterways and other unauthorized places that can lead to environmental disasters.
The Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, Sanitarian Akintomide Akinpelu said that the committee is not set up to witch-hunt any officer, but instead to guidance and correct where necessary.
“You know the syndrome of get rich quickly among our youthful population, particularly in Nigeria, though it’s all over the world, which is not good for our profession, so this committee is set up to sanitize our profession to serve as a shining example for other profession. We will do our job with integrity and ensure that there’s no miscarriage of justice, as our main goal is to bring back the lost glory of this profession”
He further stated that the society at large is looking up to Environmental Health Officers when it comes to Environmental Health, and as such there’s is need for the Officers to deliver optimally, as the Disciplinary Committee will be a guiding light for officers.
The President of the Oyo State Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State branch, Sanitarian Adegoke Tijani who’s the only serving officer in active service among the Disciplinary Committee stated that the Committee became necessary so as to uphold sanity and discipline within the profession.
“It’s not as if we have officers who are indiscipline, but the purpose of the law is to guide and this committee will be responsible for upholding discipline and promoting professional ethics among our officers”
The following are the names of the disciplinary committee members:
1. Sanitarian Akintomide Akinpelu Rtd.
2. Sanitarian Nathaniel Ajiteru Rtd.
3. Sanitarian Rafiu Iyanda Rtd.
4. Sanitarian Fatona Yemisi Rtd.
5. Sanitarian (Chief Mrs) Moromoke Bikikisu Rtd.
6. Sanitarian (Chief) Oyerinde Rtd.
7. Sanitarian Adegoke Tijani.
Other dignitaries present were Permanent Secretary, LGSC, Mrs Kafilat Adefunke Hamzat; Southwest EHOAN President, Mr Tope Akunwunmi and host of others.