The Oyo State Government has commenced a final inspection of proposed project sites ahead of the implementation of construction works under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project – European Investment Bank (NEWMAP-EIB) intervention.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, disclosed this during an inspection visit to Ebu Angelu area in Oyo (Atiba Local Government), Obananko/Cele area (Oyo West Local Government), and Maje area (Oluyole Local Government).

Aderinto described the exercise as the final assessment before the commencement of construction activities.

He explained that the inspection followed a series of earlier visits carried out by the Ministry in collaboration with the NEWMAP-EIB team to assess environmental conditions within the affected communities and adequately prepare for the intervention.

According to him, the planned construction works will address problems caused by poorly managed culverts and waterways, which have created physical separation within some communities, thereby affecting daily movement, businesses and livelihoods.

The Commissioner added that the Government’s intervention, supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), is designed to address stormwater challenges, reclaim lands affected by gully erosion and mitigate the negative effects of climate change in the affected areas.

However, Aderinto expressed concern over several environmental and planning violations observed during the inspection, particularly the failure of some residents to comply with approved building layouts.

He also condemned the practice of open defecation along waterways and riverbanks, describing it as unacceptable and a serious environmental health concern.

The Commissioner further decried the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels and waterways, noting that such practices have contributed significantly to the failure of many culverts and drainage infrastructure in the past.

He warned that continued dumping of waste into waterways after the intervention could undermine the durability of the newly constructed infrastructure.

“My concern is that if the Government carries out these interventions and residents continue with these practices, the project may fail over time,” he said.

Aderinto therefore appealed to residents to cooperate with the Government by complying with building regulations, ending open defecation, providing adequate sanitary facilities and adhering strictly to proper waste management practices to ensure the success and sustainability of the project.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Atiba Local Government, Hon. Wahab Waliy Adetunji; Chairman of Oyo West Local Government, Hon. Salami Akeem Babatunde; and Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, noted that the condition of the affected areas has negatively impacted connectivity within the communities, disrupted businesses and threatened livelihoods.

They added that recurring flooding has also resulted in loss of lives in some communities.

The council chairmen expressed confidence that the planned construction works would provide a lasting solution and pledged to support the Ministry’s efforts by ensuring residents comply with environmental laws to guarantee the sustainability of the project.

The Commissioner was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Project Coordinator, Barr. Tayo Ayoade, and members of the Oyo State Project Management Unit (Oyo NEWMAP-EIB).

E-signed:

Bukola Bakare,

Communication Officer

The Oyo State Government has partnered with the Akinyele family to launch a 10-day roadside clean-up and sensitization operation along the 12.5-kilometre roadway in Ibadan named in honour of the late Theophilus Adeleke Akinyele.

The  Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, said the initiative commemorates the 94th posthumous birthday of the distinguished administrator and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo State, underscoring its historic and civic significance.

He noted that the late Akinyele served as Secretary to the Military Government and Head of Service of Oyo State from 1976 to 1979, playing a foundational role in shaping the early governance structure of the State.

Flagging off the exercise, Hon. Aderinto described the collaboration as a model of responsible public-private partnership.

He reiterated that environmental protection remains a shared responsibility between government and citizens.

“We believe the work of Government should not be by Government alone but the people working with the Government. This cleanup is a call to every resident to embrace proper waste management and protect our shared environment,” the Commissioner stated, commending the Akinyele family for their leadership and civic commitment.

The 10-day operation will involve desilting road surfaces, clearing drainages and medians, removing accumulated waste, deploying mechanical equipment and manual labour, and conducting post-cleaning washing to ensure lasting sanitation. The Akinyele family provided both locally and internationally sourced equipment, as well as dedicated manpower, to support the exercise.

The initiative aims to restore and sanitize the targeted road corridor and adjoining drainage systems, promote sustained compliance with proper waste management practices, encourage residents to patronize government-accredited waste collectors, and strengthen enforcement against illegal dumping, waste burning, unauthorized construction on roadways, and structures built on waterways.

The Oyo State Government urged residents to support the clean-up drive by maintaining proper sanitation practices, patronizing accredited waste collectors, and actively reporting environmental infractions to ensure a cleaner, healthier, and a saner Oyo State.

The Commissioner further highlighted additional state measures, including the Oyo State whistleblower strategy and the Oyo SSS digital platform, which enables residents to report environmental violations by submitting photos or videos for investigation and prosecution where necessary.

During the flag off, The honourable commissioner took measures against some construction on highways and water ways set back, and affirmed that more will be done.

Leading the family’s effort, Mr. Akikunmi Akinyele described the initiative as a living tribute to their father’s legacy of discipline, order, and excellence in public service.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has signed a key Agreement aimed at strengthening its climate plans and policy, focusing on proactive environmental governance.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources signed the Contract Agreement with Messrs Noblesse Green Energy Limited, a firm recognized for its expertise in sustainable energy and environmental solutions on Thursday in Ibadan.

The Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, signed the contract with Mr. Oluwasegun Ademuwagun, the Managing Director of Noblesse Green Energy Limited, in his office.

Speaking after the signing, Hon. Aderinto emphasised that the policy is not a mere document, but a roadmap for protecting the State’s ecosystem.

Aderinto, while speaking on the scope of work in embedded in the contract revealed that the Contractor will undertake the development and establishment of the Oyo State Climate Plans and Policies in accordance with the detailed specification in its proposal as approved by the Government.

He said the Contrator will conduct climate-related assessments, data gathering, consultations, and stakeholder engagements.

“The contractor will develop strategic climate policies aligned with national and international climate frameworks. He will also prepare climate risk assessments, mitigation and adaptation strategies, and implementation frameworks”, he added.

Also, Mr. Ademuwagun expressed his company’s readiness to deliver a world-class policy framework that aligns with Oyo State’s environmental goals.

“We will prepare practical plans for climate risk, mitigation, adaptation, and implementation to ensure sustainable results”, he added.

In another development, Mr. Aderinto also reaffirmed the Oyo State Government’s strong commitment to advancing waste to wealth aligning circular economy goals, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, led by its Senior Advisor, Climate, Water and Food Facility (CWF), Ms. Jasmijn Snippe-Thissen.

He highlighted the deliberate and strategic efforts of the Government, through the introduction of more reforms and strengthening environmental policies to ensure the waste-to-wealth agenda is fully deployed and harnessing a circular economy.

The delegation visited the Commissioner to explore potential areas of collaboration and share insights on innovative approaches to environmental sustainability.

In his words, Aderinto further emphasised that “Oyo State remains open to productive local and international partnerships that will support innovation, technology transfer, and capacity building in the environment sector, which will end all waste management issues in the State.”

“These initiatives collectively demonstrate the Oyo State Government’s commitment to combining local action with international collaboration to ensure environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and effective waste management for a circular economy State”, he added.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has intensified collaboration with key media organizations to strengthen its sanitation campaign and promote environmental awareness across the State.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, on Tuesday led a delegation of senior officials of the Ministry on courtesy visits to some leading indigenous radio stations in Ibadan.

The visits formed the part of the Ministry’s renewed roadmap to engage the media as key stakeholders and effective amplifiers of the State’s environmental policies, ensuring that the vision of a cleaner and greener Oyo State reaches and resonates across all communities.

The Commissioner explained that maintaining a clean Oyo State cannot be achieved by the Government alone, but requires the active support and partnership of the media.

He described the media as a powerful instrument for public enlightenment, behavioural change, and sustained civic engagement.

According to him, the Ministry is committed to deploying a more communication-driven sanitation strategy that will encourage compliance with environmental regulations and promote responsible waste disposal practices among residents.

In his response, the General Manager of 32FM, Mr. Peter Omoh, assured the Commissioner of the station’s readiness to partner with the Ministry in promoting environmental awareness.

He pledged the station’s support for initiatives aimed at ensuring a safe, healthy, and habitable environment for all residents of the state.

The delegation also visited the Chairman/Owner of Fresh FM Nigeria, Yinka Ayefele (MON).

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has intensified its environmental enforcement efforts across Ibadan metropolis with the commencement of a 24-hour surveillance operation to curb illegal scavenging activities, alongside the sealing of a food processing facility for environmental violations.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, disclosed this during an interview in his office, explained that the action is targeted at regulating the activities of metal scavengers, popularly known as “BOLA,” in order to prevent infrastructure vandalism, enhance public safety and promote environmental sustainability across the State.

Hon. Aderinto reiterated that the Ministry has a statutory responsibility to keep Oyo State clean and free from activities that pose environmental and public health hazards, noting that unchecked scavenging has contributed to environmental degradation and insecurity in some parts of the State.

He emphasized that open scavenging is prohibited in Oyo State and assured that the Government will not relent in its resolve to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders in line with existing environmental laws. According to the Commissioner violators are liable to penalties including fines ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, community service and possible jail terms, depending on the severity of the offence.

The Commissioner revealed that, as part of the ongoing enforcement drive, a total of 19 illegal scavengers apprehended within Ibadan metropolis have been prosecuted and fined accordingly based on their respective offences. He further called on members of the public to cooperate with Government efforts and desist from obstructing law enforcement officers in the discharge of their lawful duties.

In a related development, Hon. Aderinto disclosed that the Ministry has sealed a food processing facility located within a residential area at Wofun, Ibadan, following findings that its boiler was emitting excessive carbon soot into the environment, thereby contributing to air pollution and posing serious health risks to residents of the surrounding community.

Investigations by officials of the Ministry revealed that the level of emissions from the facility was in clear contravention of established environmental standards and guidelines.

Consequently, the Ministry ordered the immediate sealing of the facility to prevent further environmental degradation and safeguard public health.

The management of the facility has been directed to undertake comprehensive corrective measures, including a technical assessment of the boiler, necessary repairs or upgrades to eliminate harmful emissions and the development of an effective mitigation plan. The facility is also required to submit regular progress reports, while routine inspections will be conducted to monitor compliance.

Hon. Aderinto stressed that the facility will only be reopened after full compliance has been verified by the Ministry’s compliance monitoring team and all unsealing procedures duly followed.

He reaffirmed the Oyo State Government’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection, public health and the preservation of public assets, warning that all individuals and businesses operating within the state must adhere strictly to environmental laws and regulations.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

In furtherance of its commitment to sustainable environmental management, the Oyo State Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project-EIB (OYONEWMAP-EIB) has commenced a comprehensive inspection of storm water management project  sites across the State under the Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP–EIB) initiative.

The statewide on-the-spot assessment exercise, covering the three (3) senatorial zones was conducted to validate earlier observations and evaluate the readiness of the benefiting communities for project implementation.

Speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr. (Hon) Seun Ashamu, described the NEWMAP–EIB as a landmark national programme designed to tackle erosion, restore degraded lands, and build climate resilience across Nigeria. Supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), the project is expected to benefit over 750,000 people nationwide and create more than 25,000 jobs by 2030.

“Oyo State is privileged to be among the few participating States, and we are fully committed to ensuring that these benefits reach our people in tangible and meaningful ways.

Through this project, we aim to protect lives and livelihoods, improve flood control and land restoration, reform waste and sanitation systems, and build sustainable, climate-resilient communities across the State.”

Barrister Ashamu further noted that the NEWMAP–EIB project goes beyond infrastructure development, describing it as a long-term investment in safeguarding the collective future of the people. He emphasized that, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, and through the coordination of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Oyo State is determined to translate the initiative into lasting impact — creating safer, greener, and more resilient communities across the State.

He added that the initiative reflects the Makinde administration’s unwavering efforts to reclaim degraded lands, mitigate flooding, and safeguard lives and property across Oyo State.

“Erosion remains one of the pressing environmental challenges confronting the nation, Oyo State inclusive. Our visit will help us evaluate the current situation, design more effective solutions, and reaffirm our commitment to building a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Oyo State”.

The Commissioner disclosed that the State Government has already taken significant steps toward realizing the project by providing counterpart funding and fulfilling other obligations necessary for its smooth take-off. He added that Oyo State participated actively in the project’s national launch held recently in Abuja, ensuring effective implementation and alignment with the project’s objectives of improving livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience, and protecting the environment.

The inspection team, led by Barrister Seun Ashamu, alongside the State Project Coordinator, Barrister Tayo Ayoade, and other members of the State Project Management Unit (SPMU), visited several erosion-prone communities and project sites, including:

Obananko, Cele Area, Oyo (Oyo West LGA)

Fedomu Area, Igbeti (Olorunsogo LGA)

Erosion Site within LAUTECH, Ogbomoso

Ebu Angelu Area (Atiba LGA)

Maje Stream, Oluyole (Ibadan South West LGA)

Aborerin, Eruwa (Ibarapa East LGA)

The team was warmly received by community members and local government leaders who expressed delight and anticipation for the project’s commencement. The Commissioner commended their enthusiasm and urged residents to support the Government’s environmental initiatives by adopting proper waste disposal practices, refraining from building on waterways, and actively participating in community-based environmental programmes.

E-signed:

Mrs. Bukola Bakare,

Comm. Officer OYONEWMAP.

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has reaffirmed its commitment to making environmental protection a cornerstone of sustainable development in the State.

This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barrister Seun Ashamu, during the commemoration of the 2025 World Clean-Up Day held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The event, themed “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste through Circular Fashion,” was organized by the Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF.

Barrister Ashamu described the global celebration as a reflection of humanity’s collective determination to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet. He emphasized the need to sensitize residents of Oyo State on reducing textile waste through reuse and recycling.

He said “We can repurpose and reuse textiles in creative ways that reduce the volume of waste generated in our society

“Everyone must treat the environment with the same care and respect we give to our bodies and homes. The Government encourages residents to do the right thing and will not hesitate to sanction those who pollute the environment.”

He noted that World Clean-Up Day, recognized annually on September 20 by the United Nations General Assembly, underscores the fact that environmental cleanliness and sustainability are shared global responsibilities.

Highlighting the dangers of textile pollution, Ashamu pointed out that while the global fashion industry drives economic growth and creativity, it remains one of the world’s most polluting sectors.

“The fashion industry contributes about 10 percent of global carbon emissions and nearly 20 percent of wastewater production. Every second, one truckload of textiles is either burned or dumped in landfills, releasing microplastics and toxic chemicals into our environment,” he lamented.

Ashamu stressed that under the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, Oyo State has made significant progress in improving waste collection and disposal systems, strengthening public-private partnerships, and enforcing environmental sanitation laws.

He added that the Ministry has intensified community engagement and environmental education to promote active citizen participation.

In his goodwill message, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Ecology, and Water Resources, commended the Ministry for its consistent efforts in promoting environmental health and sustainability.

“A clean environment goes beyond what we see; it includes how well our surroundings support healthy living and sustainable development,” he said, pledging continued legislative support for environmental initiatives in the State.

Also speaking, UNICEF WASH Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson, linked textile waste to rising environmental pollution and urged responsible consumption.

According to him, “Fast fashion contributes massively to waste. Many items are worn once and discarded. We must rethink our habits to protect our planet,” he advised, warning against the indiscriminate burning of textile waste, which releases harmful emissions.

The event featured expert lectures, including Dr. Femi Balogun of the University of Ibadan (represented by Dr. Debra Adeyemo) who spoke on “Tackling Textile Waste through Circular Economy,” and Sanitarian Tijani A. Adegoke, President, Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter), who presented on “Zero Waste Practices: Leave No Waste Behind.”

Key stakeholders from ministries, agencies, market associations, youth groups, NGOs, and waste management firms attended the event, pledging their commitment to a cleaner and greener Oyo State.

In the same development,  the Oyo State Government held a sweeping and sensitization exercise at Oja-Oba Market, Ibadan, aimed at promoting hygiene and environmental awareness.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni (mni), represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Mr. Olusola Ojelabi, said the exercise  is designed to educate traders and residents on the importance of maintaining a clean environment.

In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, for  Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi,  explained that the exercise is  part of the broader campaign to instill hygiene consciousness in citizens.

He noted that Oja-Oba was strategically chosen as both a commercial and cultural hub of Ibadan, urging market men and women to lead by example in maintaining cleanliness.

Dr. Ojelabi revealed that Oyo State has improved its ranking on the Sub-National Climate Governance Index from 34th in 2024 to 7th in 2025, a feat he credited to Governor Makinde’s environmental reforms.

Market leaders, including Alhaja Sikiratu Adebayo Tantoloun (Iyaloja, Bodija Market), Alhaja Ramota (Iyaloja, Eleyele Market), and Prince Akanni Ojo, representative of the Babaloja-General, commended the Government’s initiatives and urged traders to embrace recycling opportunities.

“Waste has become wealth globally,” they noted, “and Oyo traders must key into this new economy.”

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforce environmental laws, cautioning residents against the indiscriminate dumping of waste and practice of open defecation and urination.

The government said all these are now prosecuted offences under the state’s environmental regulations.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Barrister Seun Ashamu, issued the warning on Friday during the arraignment of environmental offenders at the Environmental Tribunal Court located within the Ministry’s premises.

Barrister Ashamu stated the need for residents to cease disposing of household waste in market skip bins.

He urged them to register with government approved Private Sector Participants (PSPs) or certified waste collectors in their respective local government areas.

He said, “The era of careless refuse dumping in unauthorized  bins without proper registration is over.”

“It’s more cost -effective to pay a modest fee to registered waste consultants than to face prosecution and hefty fines when caught”, Ashamu declared.

He disclosed that the Environmental Tribunal Court is now fully operational  and empowered to prosecute violators of the  State’s environmental laws.

According to him, nearly 1,000 offenders have already faced penalties including fines, community service, and imprisonment of up to one-month.

He called on all residents to register with certified waste collectors and comply with environmental laws to promote a cleaner, greener, and safer Oyo State.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

Oyo State has been listed among the Twenty-three beneficiaries of the European Investment Bank’s intervention in addressing the challenges of erosion and land degradation control in Nigeria.

The intervention project is under the auspices of the European Investment Bank-assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB).

The National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks made this known on Tuesday in Ibadan when he led the Federal Project Management Unit delegation on a courtesy visit to Governor Seyi Makinde in his office.

The National Project Coordinator disclosed that the courtesy visit was part of the Federal Project Management Unit team to Oyo State scoping mission to evaluate the State’s readiness as a crucial step towards disbursement and project implementation take off.

According to Engr. Yalaks, the Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated the climate Adaptation: Erosion and Watershed succeeding the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management project (Newmap) to address the issue of land degradation in a targeted subwatershed, improve livelihood, and promote Environmental resilience for sustainable development.

He added that the project is supported by the European Union and oversees by the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) with implementation by the twenty three (23) participating States including Oyo State.

Briefing the Governor on the pre requisite requirements, Yalaks commended Governor Makinde led administration for his approval and release of 500 million naira as counterpart fund and other important pre requisite requirements which secured the State as one of the 23 States for the EIB intervention.

His words, “I’m happy to announce to you that Oyo State has met 100% percent legitimate criteria to attract the funding.”

He confirmed that after conducting an assessment of the prioritized sites which are threat to lives and infrastructural development. They are therefore considered as candidate sites in line with the conditions precedence of the EIB.

Welcoming the FPMU delegation on behalf of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal highlighted some of the achievements of Engr. Seyi Makinde in demonstrating the highest level of political will to tackle environmental challenges in the State.

He expressed optimism about the project’s potential for success and assured the team of the State’s unwavering support.

“We are already on course and it is an irreversible course, we cannot go back, all the requests you have demanded from us as the State Government, we will fulfill. We need to put more efforts in terms of making this partnership a workable one”.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources Arch. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola commended Engr. Seyi Makinde for his leadership quality in chosen the prioritized sites in Eruwa, Igbeti, Ibadan and most especially the gully erosion site within the Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso which is currently a threat to infrastructural development, added that the State is ready for full project implementation take off.

Present at the visit were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, State Project Coordinator, Barr. Tayo Ayoade and members of the State Project Management Unit of NEWMAP.

E-signed:

Bukola Bakare,

Director, Press & Public Relations,

Ministry of Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.