WOLEWOLE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: STAND ATTENTION

With his crisp white uniform over brown trouser or skirt and the brown beret over his head, the Environmental Health Officer is one of the most respected and feared public officers right from the colonial days to the present day Nigeria. He is feared not because he wields a gun but rather because his job permits him to search into the crevices of the homes where the Police, without a warrant, can't reach.

His purpose, is none other than to ensure that the environment is kept in such state that it won't be hazardous to those living within it. The job of the health officers also known as the Sanitary Inspector, takes him from house to house, as well as any other premises such as food premises, factories, schools, offices, shops, drainage, sewage treatment plant, airport and airplane, ships, including the abatement of pollution, whether it's air, land, water or noise. Indeed it is a broad-spectrum assignment. You can imagine why you may not see him in your street everyday.

So, next time you see the Environmental Health Officers in your neighborhood, cooperate with them, as they are concerned with your health and well-being. Sincerely, if you listen to him, you may frequent and spend less time in the hospital. Because, prevention they say, is better and cheaper than cure.

Poser: When last was the EHO in your neighborhood?