The Oyo State Government has announced the introduction of the Cleanest Market of the Month Award, an initiative scheduled to begin in July 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen environmental sanitation, encourage healthy living and improve the management of markets across the state.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, during a meeting with market leaders held at the Ministry's Conference Hall.

According to the commissioner, markets will be assessed every month using clearly defined criteria, including overall cleanliness, proper waste management, orderly market organisation and consistent compliance with the state's daily environmental sanitation policy.He stressed that regular environmental sanitation activities will be a major requirement for any market hoping to win the award.

Aderinto explained that the programme is designed to create healthy competition among markets while raising hygiene standards, making markets more attractive to traders and customers, and supporting economic activities through cleaner business environments.

He also assured market leaders that the ministry would continue to support markets that consistently comply with environmental sanitation regulations.

As an additional form of encouragement, the commissioner said he would personally participate in sanitation exercises organised by markets that demonstrate exceptional commitment to cleanliness and environmental best practices.

Representatives from several markets, including Olodo, Monatan, Anajere, Sango, Ojoo and Eleyele, as well as the Iyaloja of Ibadan North and other market leaders from different parts of Oyo State, attended the meeting.

The initiative reflects the state's broader commitment to improving public health and environmental standards through sustained community participation.