The Oyo State Government has rolled out a monthly award for the cleanest markets across the state, with authorities outlining strict conditions for prospective winners.

The initiative, tagged Cleanest Market of the Month Award, will commence this July as part of efforts to promote environmental sanitation, healthy living and effective market management.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, announced the development during a meeting with market leaders held at the ministry’s conference hall.

He urged market executives to ensure full compliance with environmental sanitation regulations, stressing that daily sanitation exercises would form a major requirement for the selection process.

According to Aderinto, markets will be assessed based on cleanliness, effective waste management, proper organisation and consistent adherence to the state’s environmental sanitation policy.

The commissioner said the programme is aimed at encouraging healthy competition among markets, improving hygiene standards and boosting economic activities across Oyo State.

He assured traders of the government’s continued support for markets that maintain high sanitation standards, adding that exceptional performers would receive recognition from the ministry.

Aderinto further disclosed that he would personally participate in sanitation exercises in markets that demonstrate outstanding compliance as a way of motivating traders to sustain a clean and healthy environment.