BENIN CITY – Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Saturday carried out an environmental clean up of some major parts and public institutions within the Benin metropolis.

Our Correspondent, who monitored the exercise, observed that no fewer than 2,000 members of the church were seen engaged in different clean up tasks at the New Benin and Oregbene areas of the state.

The members were engaged in such activities as repair of failed portions of roads, clearing and cleaning of blocked drains, repair and painting of public places and buildings including evacuation of refuse.

Mr Owie Friday, State President of the Church, New Benin Stake, said that the clean up being an annual event,”provides opportunity for members to volunteer their talents selflessly to the service of humanity.

“As you can see, we decided to rehabilitate the New Benin health centre. Members of the New Benin Stake are cleaning the environment while others are repairing damaged walls and repainting the entire building.

“The essence is to ensure that the health centre, as an health institution that provides healthcare for the people, becomes attractive and safe for service delivery.”

Mr Austin Akomah-Mordi, the church’s Director of communication information of the Coordinating Council, said the environmental Sanitation tagged “All Africa Service Project” was holding simultaneously across Africa where the church had its branches.

He said the project was an awareness campaign and practical demonstration of how to encourage the public imbibe the traditions and habits of environmental cleanliness.

According to him, developing the culture and tradition of healthy lifestyles begins with purging oneself of the slum in ones system and environment one lives in.

“The All Africa Service Project began in 2006 with the aim of serving the community and encouraging the public to imbibe the traditions and habits of environmental cleanliness.

“It is also to encourage the spirit of sacrifice. Today, the church in Africa is observing the All Africa Service project.

“Members are embarking on selfless services including environmental sanitation, repairs of failed portions of roads, clearing and cleaning of blocked drains among others.

“Together, it is estimated that this labour of members of the Latter-day Saints in these units will positively affect over 50,000 members of the public in the state.”