State Government of Osun has warned tourists, devotees and visitors to the grand finale of the annual Osun Osogbo Festival on Friday not to drink water from the Osun River because of contamination.
Osun State Commissioner for Health. Dr Rafiu Isamotu gave the advice in an interview with the newsmen on Thursday in Osogbo.
He said government embarked on the sensitisation to discourage people from drinking the water during the festival as it had been contaminated by the activities of artisanal miners and not good for human consumption.
According to him, “There are radio jingles on the health hazard of drinking water from the Osun River due to contamination.
“However, this is a cultural thing and no matter how hard you try, some people will not oblige, but we will continue to sensitise them.
“There may not be a quick fix to this pollution, but as government, we will continue to do the needful.
“Government has taken cognizance of this pollution and working really hard to prevent the activities of artisanal miners.
“It is a menace; it very difficult, but we cannot fold our arms,’’ he stressed.
Isamotu said public health officials would be at the grove during the festival to further sensitise people on the dangers of drinking the water.
