The Osun Government on Thursday raised the alarm on the harmful health effects of polythene and newspapers for wrapping and packaging consumable goods and food items.
The government also expressed strong concern and warned citizens on the continued use of polythene, particularly for wrapping and packaging food items.
The warning was contained in a statement issued and made available to press by the Media Adviser to the Governor, Mr Sola Fasure, after the weekly State Executive Council’s Meeting, held at Governor’s office, Osogbo on Wednesday.
The Council ‎suggested the use of traditional food wrapping leaves (Eweeran and Ewe Gbodogi) as substitutes to polythene by the residents of the state as panacea to guide against some diseases that could arise from the use of nylon.
According to the statement, “Council received report of the harmful health implications of continued use of polythene, especially when it is used to wrap hot food before or after cooking.
“Council strongly urged members of the public to discontinue this practice and use traditional food wrapping leaves (Eweeran and Ewe Gbodogi) in its place.
“These two leaves contain spices which are medicinal. Farmers are also encouraged to cultivate these leaves in commercial quantity.
“However, in the quest for using alternatives, food vendors must avoid using newspapers to wrap hot food, since newspapers contain substances which are harmful when ingested with food”, the Council stressed.
The‎ Council also approved the appointment of Prince Agboluaje Cornelius Omisade as the Oloja of Ibodi in Atakumosa West Local Government Area and Prince Samuel Adeniyi Olaniyan as Edigbon of Edemosi in Ila Local Government Area.
According to the Council, Prince Omisade’s candidature was unopposed, having been presented as the sole candidate by Otemuyi Ogasa Ruling House while Prince Olaniyan was the choice of the kingmakers from among the five candidates presented by the Edigbon Ruling House.
The Council therefore congratulated and wished them peaceful and successful reigns.
Packaged by Rahman Salami
