Recall that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde swore-in the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, Sixteen Commissioners and new Permanent Secretaries, on Wednesday at the Executive chamber, Governor’s office.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this on Friday in a media statement in Ibadan.

Prince Oyelade said among the first arrivals for work at the State secretariat was the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperative, Mr. ‘Demola Ojo and his counterpart in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Ministry, Prof. Abdulwaheed Soliu.

He added that in separate interviews, both commissioners expressed their desire to immediately settle down to work and deliver on their mandates.

Mr. ‘Demola Ojo, called for adequate collaboration, at moving the economy and fortune of the State to an enviable position in the country and beyond.

He promised to run an open administration but official protocols have to be maintained as well. 

 On his part, the Education commissioner, Prof. Soliu pointed out that he would drive the education system in Oyo State with Technology.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Abdulmojeed, Mogbonjubola, vowed that the State will emerge the cleanest and environmentally attractive State in the Country.

The newly sworn-in Commissioner, who swung into action as he resumed office, disclosed that all hands must be on deck for the Ministry to record great successes.

In his words, “I’m here to work and to achieve…give me your all, to record unparalleled successes. I need you to get results, if possible 110% and nothing less”.

He assured of his readiness to ensure all relevant agencies under the Ministry are brought back on board.

The Oyo State Government, on Thursday, arrested and prosecuted 44 violators of street trading, along Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan North, Salvation Army/Ogunpa Ibadan NorthWest, Anajere market, Academy, Iwo road, in Lagelu and Egbeda Local Government areas of the State.

This intensified efforts in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Rotimi Babalola is aimed at ensuring streets get more sanitized and environmental friendly, by getting rid of hawkers and traders, in all inappropriate locations in the State.

This was a follow-up to the myriads of warnings and sensitization against street trading by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

The statement said the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Modupe Adeleye, today, mobilized formidable team of Directors of the Ministry and Officers of Oyo State Road Transport Maintenance Agency (OYRTMA) and the Environmental Task Forces, for the enforcement in markets within Ibadan metropolis.

The State Government had Spontaneously frowned at the situation, especially as it causes untimely death of residents and passers-by. This has been a big concern to the present administration, ably led by His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde.

Mrs Adeleye in her reactions frowned at the recalcitrant attitude of some marketers who flaunted the earlier warnings of Government.

The Permanent Secretary, reassured of Oyo State Governments commitment to securing lives of all citizenry in the State. She charged all market officials, ‘iyalajes’ and ‘babalojas’, to maximally encourage market men and women to always support Government’s policies, in ensuring a healthy environment.

Earlier, the duo of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Local Government Service Commission held a joint meeting towards attaining an overwhelming safe environment in State.

Directors of Environmental Health Services, both from the State, the Thirty Three(33) Local Government Area Councils and LCDAs in the State, had been invited for sensitization, on the need to collaborate, adhere strictly to Oyo State Government policies, regulations, at putting a check to environmental degradation, but ensuring an all round sustainable healthy environment.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Modupe Adeleye, had earlier reminded Officers of their importance and duties to a clean environment, and the needs to taking prompt and proactive steps at bringing down every hindrance.

The seasoned Scribe charged all Environmental Health Officers in the State, to do enough, in the areas of sanitation and street trading towards achieving the 2.0 agenda of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, as declared on the second term inaugural speech, for a zero tolerance to environmental degradation.

She maintained that Officers should always check their conscience, be more upright and corrupt free to command respect in the course of their duties.

Mrs Adeleye emphasized that issue of street trading, environmental pollution, evacuation of unidentifiable corpses are great menace to environment.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Deacon Taiwo Olafimihan Adewale also charged Officers to form strong at ensuring the singular goal of a safe environment.

He affirmed that while unethical conduct would not be tolerated, the Commission would ensure all challenges mentioned by the officers at the interactive session would be  strictly addressed, especially, issues bothering on planning, provision of operational working tools, inadequate staff.

…Says Ban on Street Trading in Good Faith

In a move to inspire a more responsible citizenry on sustainability practices, the Oyo State Government, has appealed to Youths in the State to venture into recycling of plastics and wastes.

Speaking on a bi-weekly programme, ‘Head of Service Speaks’ on the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism online radio, Aloore, on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Modupe Adeleye said schools could tap into the State Government’s Waste to Wealth initiative, by engaging and educating children on the advantages of plastic recycling.

Adeleye said, the Oyo State Government approved Waste Management Consultant, Mottainai Recycling Ltd. has deployed a holistic approach towards reducing waste, promoting sustainability and creating better communities.

She therefore charged residents to take advantage of the benefits inherent in waste recycling.

Mrs. Adeleye who explained that all homes churn out large amounts of industrial wastes, through the use of plastics, paper, nylons, added that if well harnessed these could turn into wealth.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized that the Ministry, had since 2021, in conjunction with relevant bodies, embarked on a pilot program, on ways to separate and preserve waste products.

She noted that the Ministry had recently taken the awareness campaign to some major markets in the State, especially, the new Gbagi Market in Ibadan, where Mottainai Recycling Ltd. addressed the traders.

She maintained that waste is wealth.

Mrs. Adeleye enjoined youth and the entire populace to consult the Ministry on way forward to harnessing the opportunity.

In another dimension, Mrs. Adeleye described the recent steps of the State government on ban on street trading, as grace saving for the masses.

In her explanation, the action taken so far is to save marketers and passersby from untimely death and injuries.

She reiterated that the Government is keen about the well-being of the people of Oyo, urging marketers to comply with the Government directive by maintaining their various shops.

The Oyo State Government has set machinery in motion to clamp down on street traders, in the enforcement of total ban on street trading in the State.

The Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Rotimi Babalola, revealed this.

Babalola, in a statement on Wednesday in Ibadan, the State Capital, said the move came following the State Government’s sensitisation at Ibadan markets many weeks ago on the need to get rid of illegal trading.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, Modupe Adeleye, said the move was in furtherance of the State Government’s commitment to stamping out street trading on the State highways and other major streets in the metropolis.

She said in Oyo State, street trading is now prohibited and a punishable offence according to the environmental laws of the State.

Adeleye added that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde places a premium on safety of lives and properties.

According to her: “It is no longer news to anyone that the Oyo State Government will no longer tolerate street trading in the State and the ministry would be enforcing the law in full force, henceforth.”

Adeleye disclosed that the strict enforcement exercise, which has commenced in Ibadan, is an implementation of a long existing enactment by the State Government on Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law, which prescribes specific punishment for both the buyer and the seller of any goods or services on the streets.

Speaking further, Adeleye also appealed to residents to ensure proper disposal of refuse in the State as the Oyo State Government will not tolerate illegal disposal of refuse by residents.

She enjoined market leaders in the State to ensure members adhere strictly on the environmental laws, urging them to engage Government approved Waste Management consultant, Mottainai Recycling Limited.

It could be recalled that the ministry had earlier engaged traders in an aggressive sensitization and awareness of the Government’s zero tolerance to street trading.

In attendance were all stakeholders, including the Babaloja General of Oyo State and other market leaders.

Markets visited by the Permanent Secretary and officials of the Ministry included Beere, Oja-Oba, Idi-Arere, Oranyan, Molete, Eleyele and Bodija.

As part of the lined up activities to mark the 2022 World Toilet Day, the Oyo State Government on Friday embarked On a road walk to Kudeti area in Ibadan, to sensitize the residents of the State  on  proper hygienic behaviour

Speaking during the sensitization exercise which kicked off from the Ministry of Environment to Kudeti axis in Ibadan, the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Abiodun Oni stressed that Oyo State Government is committed to addressing sanitation challenges including open defecation in the State.

He added that open defecation had been reported not only to deteriorate the quality of drinking water but also causing health problems and diseases resulting to high child mortality, poor nutrition and poverty

The Commissioner added further that human excreta takes about a year to biodegrade and as such, causing environmental hazards most especially if it is left too close to streams hence, contaminating the ground water

Mr. Abiodun Oni while emphasizing the theme for the 2022 World Toilet Day, “Sanitation and ground water, making the invisible visible”  at Kudeti reiterated that the campaign for making the invisible visible explores  how inadequate sanitation systems spread human wastes into rivers, lakes, streams and soil thereby polluting the underground water resources

The Commissioner further charged all and sundry to collectively tackle sanitation crisis and help achieve a long term development in the State.

He hinted that the narrative of open defecation in the State would change in no distance time and soon toilets would become a serious and lucrative business.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry, Mrs Modupe Adeleye, explained that the sensitization programme would also be replicated at Agbeni Community on Monday in order to create more awareness on open defecation to the residents by maintaining a good hygiene

She commended the South East Local Government Chairman, Hon. Oluwole Alawode for ensuring adequate protection of the environment within his Local Government.

Oyo State Government on Sunday expressed sympathy for victims and community affected by devastating flood in Moniya area of Akinyele Local Government.

The Government delegation was led by the Hon Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abiodun Oni, the lawmaker representing Akinyele Constituency 1, Hon Ayotunde Fatokun and Director of Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP).

Addressing journalists at Onile-Onikainkain bridge which got flooded, the Commissioner said the State Government feels their pain and suffering adding that the Government would give top priority to alleviating the suffering of victims.

Oni said, “Let me assure our brothers, sisters and families that have been heavily impacted that while we pray the flood abates soon, the Government will also do the needful to help mitigate the disaster to avoid future occurrence. I assure you that some succour will come from the State Government.”

He appealed to well-meaning citizens of the State to also come to the aid of the victims of the disaster.

Speaking further, Oni cautioned residents in the State to be careful and vigilant as they move around in the rains to safely wade through the momentary flooding that may arise from the heavy rainfall which is a natural phenomenon.

“Flooding as well know is momentary, the road will dry in no distant time but we call for caution. I want to advise residents in this community to dispose their wastes properly and clear drainages in their immediate environment so as to make room for a free flow of floodwater.

The affected community appreciated the timely inspection by the Commissioner for Environment and the lawmaker representing Akinyele constituency 1, Ayotunde Fatokun. They however seek for quick intervention and palliatives as promised by the State Government.

…as Waste Consultant Recovers 5,170kg Plastic Wastes, 1,100 kg of cartons

Oyo State Government, today, sealed off some houses and shops within Academy market, Ibadan over unhygienic practices.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Abiodun Oni said residents and owners of the shop violated environmental laws and failed to comply with the laid down hygienic practices.

Speaking through the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Ademola Aderinto, the Commissioner said that the buildings were sealed off during the ongoing sensitization and enforcement campaign of the State Government to commemorate this year’s World Clean-up Day.

He said the exercise was done to ensure total compliance with environmental hygiene and prevent possible outbreak of any disease, pointing out that Environmental Health officers had earlier visited the affected buildings and told the owners to do the needful but they failed to do so.

The Commissioner who said the affected buildings are responsible for heaps of waste dumped in the market place and along the main roads, added that they do not have adequate waste bins for their wastes.

Also, as part of activities marking this year’s World Clean-up Day, the Oyo State Government and Mottainai Recycling Ltd, recovered Five-thousand, One-hundred and seventy (5, 170) kilograms of plastic wastes in the clean-up activities carried out in Academy community market in Ibadan.

The team also recovered One Thousand, One Hundred (1,100) kilograms of cartons from the market.

According to Aderinto, the exercise, which was carried out in conjunction with Waste Management Authority in the State, Mottainai Recycling Ltd, was also used to sensitize and educate market women on how a waste-free environment can foster better customer relations and increase sales.

Mr. Ademola Aderinto also appealed to residents to key into the Oyo State Government’s environmental blueprint.

“Marketplaces are by nature unkempt with practices that are harmful to the ecosystem, but Oyo State Government believes that with continuous sensitization and enforcement, we can make the traders understand the importance of a neat location for business”, Aderinto said.

Speaking on the campaign, Managing Director, Mottainai Recycling Ltd, Mr. Adey Adewuyi explained that the initiative was borne out of the need to ensure Oyo State is clean.

Adewuyi who spoke through the Chief Sustainability Officer, Mottainai Recycling Ltd, Ms. Deborah Fadeyi said, “We are commemorating the World Clean-up Day in a very unconventional way, with the market people.

We are here to show them how waste can be turned to wealth”.

She said Mottainai Recycling Ltd, as the Government approved Waste Manager will ensure adequate provision of necessary information on Environment sanitation in the State.

Also speaking on the campaign, the Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Oluwaseun Fashukanmi explained that besides drawing attention of the public to the immense financial opportunities of waste recycling, the public also needs to be aware of the threats of waste and pollution to human life and the survival of the ecosystem.

E-signed:

Hon. Wasiu Olatubosun, Ph.D.,

Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has warned residents of the State against drinking water from streams.

The State Government noted that this advice became necessary because some streams have been contaminated.

Against this backdrop, the State Government warned residents of Ijaye, Ido, Olowo-Igbo, Iseyin, and Ibarapa against drinking water from contaminated streams in their communities.

Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Abiodun Oni, made this declaration on Wednesday.

Oni said a truck conveying chemical substances emptied its contents into a drainage.

He narrated that the chemical substances were washed into the streams passing through the five communities.

He added that the truck was involved in an accident at Iroko-Oyo highway while conveying substances presumed to be soap-making chemicals.

He spoke further by saying that the development may impair the water quality and render it toxic to humans and the environment at large.

Oni, in the statement made available to DAILY POST, further revealed that farmers who planted their cash crops within the affected areas and fishermen should suspend every activity within the vicinity.

He said, “The State Government will continue to ensure that the ecosystem is protected in the State.

“Furthermore, they should jettison the bad culture of dumping wastes into drainages as they eventually find their ways into streams and rivers and eventually make up their way in the food chain process as such posing threats to all humans.”

…Mandates new PSPs to clean up Oyo State

Following the verification of One-hundred and Sixty-nine Waste collectors, the Oyo State Government has flagged off an intensive door-to-door waste evacuation operation to address the menace of improper waste disposal in the metropolis.

Mr. Adey Adewuyi, the Waste Management Consultant in the State said in a statement on Monday in Ibadan that the waste collectors now known as Mottainai Accredited Franchisees will be empowered to fast track the clearing of waste from the streets of Ibadan and restore environmental sustainability.

He added that the new system in place does not permit residents and commercial waste creators/generators in Oyo State to make cash payments to any accredited waste collector.

“All payments are made through bank transfer, Point of Sale (POS) or Direct Deposit in the banking hall. Also, all former residential pick-up tariffs will be maintained with no increase whatsoever”, he said.

He said the verification exercise was done in collaboration with the Oyo State Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA) for Waste collectors that have been operating in Oyo State and some new companies that applied to work in the waste management sector.

“So far, 169 waste collectors who have shown that they have some level of capacity, have been verified and are now known as Mottainai Accredited Franchisees (MAFs)”, he said.

Adewuyi said with 21 Compactors, 3 Roro Trucks, 175 Open Trucks and no (zero) Skip Trucks, the operational capacity of the MAFs is far below what is required to keep the State clean.

He however said his firm, Mottainai Recycling Limited will empower them with operational trucks.

Adewuyi added, “we are confident that with the right tools, the new and existing MAFs will achieve greater efficiency.

“In the meantime, all former PSPs, now MAFs, have been mandated to clean up Oyo State. Some of them have been assigned to return to their former slots while others have been assigned new slots.”

The Waste Management consultant reaffirmed that the firm is committed to maintaining a clean environment.

Meanwhile, he hinted that the verification and accreditation of waste collectors in Oyo State is a continuous process.

He, therefore, appealed to companies with the necessary capacity to approach the Oyo State Waste Management Authority to request verification and accreditation.

“Also, all complaints and requests for waste evacuation should be routed through our call centre. Please call 0700 080 0700 or WhatsApp 08181900004”, he concluded.

The Oyo State Government has terminated the appointment of Private Sector Participants waste collectors in the State.

The termination is announced in a statement issued by Mr Abiodun Oni, Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources in Ibadan on Friday.

Oni also said the Government has set June 10, as the deadline for the re-application of renewal of contract.

“The new development is an outcome of a meeting held with the waste collectors’ private sector participants and stakeholders.

“The new initiative was conceived in order to actualize the vision of keeping Oyo State clean while harnessing other opportunities that are inherent in proper waste management systems.

“We are tired of using the same approach without getting results,” he said.

The commissioner further narrated instances where the State recorded heaps of refuse in open spaces, thereby causing embarrassment and posing threats to the health of residents in the State.

He said the State Government is taking holistic measures to ensure that the State experiences a turnaround in the environment sector.

Oni also announced that Gov. Seyi Makinde had approved the appointment of a new waste management consultant, ‘Mottainai Recycling Africa’, who would see to the day to day running of the disposal mechanism in the State.

Speaking further on this development, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Modupe Adeleye said that the action taken on the re-application of the PSP operators was intended to move the State forward and ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.

She enjoined all the stakeholders to work with the State Government in actualizing this agenda.

Meanwhile, the State Government has again embarked on enforcement to caution traders toward improving sanitation within the environment and also checkmating traffic congestion.

Oni, while calling on the traders to remain law-abiding and be peaceful when carrying out their legitimate businesses, said the present administration was poised to maintain and sustain the State ecosystem.

According to him, it is geared toward ensuring a clean and green environment that will be attracting investors to thrive in the State.

Similarly, the Oyo State Government has sealed a filling station for violating the environmental laws and failure to carry out the State’s weekly sanitation exercise.

The filling station located at Gate in Ibadan was also accused of accommodating a filthy drainage lane which environmental officers alleged exposed residents to health hazards and could also pose an environmental threat to people’s health if not addressed on time.