…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.

As part of the lined up activities to mark the World Environment Day, the Oyo State Government has launched the Clean an Green Club in schools, Tree planting and distribution of mobile toilets, with the intention of stopping open defecation in the State.

According to the State’s Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources during a walking exercise and awareness campaign with the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry, Dr. Bashir Olanrewaju  Directors of the Ministry, the need for clean environment necessitated the exercise.

He said tree planting, which kicked off from the Ministry to Oje Market in Ibadan is one of the ways of responding to the urgent need to reduce the harmful effect of global warming which has resulted to climate change.

The Commissioner, while kicking off the tree  planting at Oje Market, stressed that the launching signified the footprint of what Governor Seyi Makinde had stated in transforming Oyo State and making life better for people to live in the State.

Speaking earlier at the launching of Mobile toilets and Clean and Green Club for some selected public Secondary Schools in Oyo State, held at the frontage of the Ministry, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun revealed that the benefits of clean environment and tree planting cannot be over emphasized, hence, the reason for imbibing the ideals in the younger ones who will also pass the message to the next generation.

“This would help the present administration to transform Oyo State into a better position to attract a healthier environment and make individuals to be more creative in their thinking.”

Mrs. Adeosun equally stated that the mobile toilets would eradicate open defecation in the State and also reduce communicable diseases that may threaten individual’s life.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Oyeleke  revealed that the students will be encouraged to emulate cleaning and planting of trees.

“It is expected that members of this club will help to transform their respective communities as thirty three seedlings had been taken to each of the selected secondary schools which had been planted in the school premises.

“Similarly, Forestry officials and Environmental Health Officers in the respective zones of the State have been mandated to hold regular meetings with the club members and build their capacities in the area of focus.”

The Commissioner also thanked the stakeholders involved in the initiative and further noted that the environment needed to be preserved in order to sustain its value, which called for all hands to be on deck, to embrace environmental friendly practices such as waste recycling, refraining from deforestation, cleaning surroundings and also desisting from indiscriminate dumping of refuse, particularly in canals and drainages which are usually responsible for blockage of water and causing flooding.

Oyeleke stated that open defecation which has been a concern for the administration will be a thing of the past with the launching and distribution of mobile toilets to identified areas with challenges in open defecation, especially market areas, garages and other areas, stressing that the mobile toilets would assist in mitigating health challenges associated with open defecation.

Signed:

Wasiu Olatubosun (P.hd),

Hon. Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Ibadan.

As part of the activities to mark the second year anniversary of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration in Oyo  State, the State Government is set to unveil not less than fifty mobile toilets to be placed in strategic locations in the State with the aim of eradicating open defecation.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor of the State, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Abdulateef Oyeleke  while addressing newsmen in Ibadan over the weekend, said that the mobile toilets will be situated at locations for the conveniences of pedestrians, passengers and travellers in an attempt to ensuring that the environment is not polluted.

“The mobile toilets will be placed in strategic locations across the State to assist in promoting personal hygiene of the citizens and maintaining a healthy standard in the State, which will not only stop the spread of diseases such as cholera, Typhoid, diarrhoea, but also check other ravaging diseases that are threats to human existence.

“The toilets will be placed in locations like markets, garages and other public places to eliminate health risks associated with open defecation and promote personal hygiene.”

The Commissioner enjoined the people of the State to support the policy of clean and green initiative of the present administration, as the Environmental Health Officers and Task Force Team will soon be directed to arrest and prosecute anyone caught defecating in the open.

In the same vein,  not less than ten tricycles were received by the Ministry of Environment for evacuation of recycle waste within Local Government Areas in the State.

The initiative would not only enhance the efforts of the present administration in the clean and green policy and to attain a sustainable environment that is capable of promoting the economic growth and wellbeing of the entire citizenry but will also reduce the incidence of flood which usually occurs when it rains as a result of blocked drainage  through indiscriminate dumping of refuse inside drainages, water ways and other open spaces.

The Commissioner added that it will also provide job opportunities for the youths as a local investor has been engaged and mandated to set up a modern recycling facility in the State within the next six months of his partnership with Oyo State Government.

In his remarks, the Managing Director  of the company , Mottainai, Mr. Ade Adewuyi stated that the concept of this initiative is to start paying for recyclable waste materials, while also engaging youths in the State in the process termed circular economy.

The process is aimed at eliminating flood incidents and maintenance of clean environment, while there will be financial capacity for the people and job opportunities for the youths.

Signed:

Wasiu Olatubosun (P.hd),

Hon. Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism,

Ibadan.

Following the outcry of residents on delayed solid waste evacuation, the Oyo State Government has set up a Rapid Response Team on evacuation and released hotlines for residents to call and express their complaints.

This was revealed in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Bashir Olanrewaju on Tuesday at Ibadan, where he stressed that it is the responsibility of a responsive Government to maintain environmental and psychological sanity of its people.

Olanrewaju said this was the reason for setting up a new solid waste management architecture, so as to achieve the goal of a cleaner, safer and a healthy State.

“We are putting in all efforts to deal with the challenges of waste evacuation, but we are asking residents, private waste contractors and other stakeholders affected to play by the rules of this new system in a bid to accomplish a dirt free State and a sustainable environment that will improve the social wellbeing of every individual in the State.

“This also, is the reason we have set up a Rapid Response Team to see to complaints of residents and fix problems associated with solid waste evacuation in Ibadan metropolis and the rest of the State, this also involve the release of the special numbers (hotlines) for this purpose, so that residents can call, make their complaints and work with the appropriate authority in ridding their environment of dirt.”

The statement further revealed that anyone experiencing delay in evacuation of waste in their area is to call 08067945877, 07032328993 and 0812657385 to make complaint and get quality service.

Residents and other stakeholders have been advised to cooperate with the State Government in its quest to make the State the pride of its citizens and desist from dumping wastes at illegal areas so as to avoid communicable diseases, while also calling on them not to make any form of payment to their PSP operators as at from April 1st, 2021, but to the approved central State account.

Signed:

Wasiu Olatubosun (P.hd),

Honorable Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism,

Ibadan.

Wednesday 21st April, 2021.

Residents in Oyo State have been enjoined to ensure daily cleaning of their environments as sanitation exercise has now become an everyday activity towards achieving a clean and green environment.

According to a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Idowu Oyeleke, the State Government has admonished all residents on the need to clean their premises everyday, especially drainage channels and other open spaces to avert any outbreak of diseases and cases of flooding.

He started that failure to comply with this directive would attract institution of environmental laws and sanctions against offenders.

“It would be noted that we shall begin to experience rainfall, hence the need to prepare ahead of time in order avert avoidable floods and loss of properties.

“It is imperative to  implore residents in the State to take the daily sanitation exercise seriously, for a healthy environment is a function of wealthy society,” Oyeleke noted.

The Commissioner implored residents to desist from acts that could lead to flooding, such as indiscriminate dumping of wastes into drainages, as it hindered the flow of water in its natural path.

While reassuring residents of the State’s commitment and determination to attaining a sustainable clean and green environment, Hon. Oyeleke called on residents to key into the policy and desist from all forms of environmental impunity, emphasizing that the period of sanitation should be used for cleaning the surroundings alone and residents are expected to comply with the instructions like they are carrying out their civic responsibilities, so as to achieve a safe environment for all

He used the medium to clear the air on the last Saturday’s environmental sanitation, saying “the State Government has suspended the exercise and restriction of vehicular and human movement have been suspended indefinitely, however the Environmental Task Force would be going around to ensure compliance and adherence to all the Environmental laws and regulations of the State.”

Meanwhile the Statement has also directed all Directors of Environmental Health Services in the 33 Local Government and 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA’s) within the State to monitor the daily sanitation exercise as a matter of duty.

Wasiu Olatubosun (P.hd),

Hon. Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Ibadan.

…pledges to fix Awotan Health Centre, install solar lights

…says project will provide 3,000 jobs for residents

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Thursday, commissioned the Awotan Landfill Project and also unveiled the Clean and Green Waste Trucks, to improve environmental and social well-being of residents of the State.

Governor Makinde, who stated this while speaking at the official commissioning of the Awotan Landfill and unveiling of Clean and Green Waste Trucks, held at the Awotan Landfill, Akufo Road, Awotan, Ibadan, said the project will provide job opportunities for self-reliance to 3,000 residents of the community.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the Governor equally pledged to fix the Awotan Health Centre, adding that the Government had the plan to have one standard health care facility in every ward of Oyo State.

He said: “When we were confronted with the issue of waste in Oyo State, we had two main choices. One, a quick fix, which could have happened sooner, or a more complex and far-reaching solution, which would take some time. As you can see, the video clip we just watched is quite complex.

“The quick fix would have just meant that we are just kicking the ball further down the road. Sometimes in the future, we will, again, be confronted with the issue of waste disposal. Maybe then, it will be another administration that will deal with it but we would have gone away with the tag of ‘Architect of Modern Oyo State.’

“One, those who live near this dumpsite, the nearest settlement is just about 200 meters away from where we are right now, would have had to continue dealing with their groundwater contamination and their water will have remained unsafe for them to drink.

“The Baale of Awotan has asked us to fix the health centre here and I want to assure you that we will do it. We already put a plan in place to have one standard health care facility in every ward in Oyo State and we will have 351 of them.

“Secondly, they would have continued to live with the stench coming from this dumpsite. The multiplier effect is that those who have properties for rent around here would have a hard time letting them out and, of course, I have spoken about the health implications as well.

“As a matter of fact, when I met some people here, they said they abandoned their houses here and relocated to the city but, the good news is, they are coming back now.

“I want to acknowledge the immense contribution of our late compatriot and former Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola. He did all the planning and groundwork to make sure that this project turns out as it is today.

“May the good Lord continually be with his family. Let me also thank the current Commissioner for Environment, Barrister Idowu Oyeleke, for seeing the project to a logical conclusion.

“So, as I said earlier, we decided on the second option. Yes, it took more time, which meant that people complained about refuse disposal for a little longer but we knew that when we accomplish what we set out to accomplish here, the result will be glaring to all.”

Governor Makinde maintained that the success of the landfill project has led to the creation of massive job opportunities, as, according to him, 500 private companies have been registered for refuse collection, with each of them expected to recruit at least six people including drivers and refuse packers.

“We are standing on the ground now and we can see everywhere. So, apart from this environment, the total rehabilitation of this landfill resulted in engaging over 500 registered private companies in refuse collection. Each of those companies will employ at least a driver, a number of packers and others. If you multiply six by five hundred it will give you 3,000 direct jobs.

“Also, about 50 people worked here as scavengers and I don’t think they will continue to scavenge again, because there will be a rise in their take-home. They will be staying here now and those who need whatever they separate will have to come down and buy from them here.

“So, these individuals who worked on this project; contractors and others, we appreciate their efforts and the resultant effect is that we have more funds into Oyo State’s economy. Now that the site is completed, what is next? The benefit of upgrading this dumpsite is immense. We are all breathing easily right now.

“The last time we came here, we discovered that access will be a challenge. We had to look for an alternative route. The Apete-Awotan road is less than 1,500 metres and once you pass this place further down to Akufo junction, the traffic will be less.

“So, in less than six to eight weeks, the problem of access to this place will have been completely solved. And another added sweetener is there is methane gas under here, which will be converted to electricity that will in turn be used to install street lights around here. We will provide the street light and this place will provide the gas that will be used to generate electricity for that purpose,” the Governor added.

The Governor further said that with the success of the project, the newly launched waste management architecture in the State has begun on a sound footing, adding that there will be less refuse on the streets of Ibadan, the State capital.

He said: “Finally, we will have less refuse on our streets because the contractors will be paid per kilogram of debris they bring here. It means anyone that did not collect waste will not get paid.

“Of course, knowing how much each of the registered companies spend acquiring the trucks and other equipment to work with, they will want to recoup their investment. So, they will keep going out to pick up the waste. Suddenly, the waste is now like Gold. This, of course, will translate to economic benefit to Oyo State.

“The more refuse we get here also the better for our waste to wealth initiative. Apart from the gas, some came and said they can convert the waste to fertilizer. So, we will encourage them. If there is an access road to get here to come and do what they have proposed, it is also for the benefit of the residents here.

“So, you can see that the Clean and Green is a total municipal waste system solution.”

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Abdulateef Oyeleke, said that the landfill project was a crucial part of the broad plan to reposition Oyo State, especially the State capital, Ibadan, as a sustainable and ideal metropolitan city free from dirt and filth.

He maintained that the desire of Governor Makinde‘s administration is to modernise its solid waste management and that the project would create a clean, green, and environmentally friendly State.

He equally stated that the landfill would not only open doors of opportunities to residents of the State, but that it would also serve as an excellent renewable energy source and generate hundreds of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

“This project has bridged the sad gap of 21st century urban waste transportation, by introducing the clean and green trucks through PPP arrangement. The trucks are well-equipped to evacuate refuse from the various collection points and safely transport the same to the landfill.

“We appreciate commitment, support, supervision and prompt release of funds to this project. We also thank the Awotan community for the support to the State Government, PSP Waste Contractors throughout the execution period of this project and other stakeholders who have formidably partnered with the Government in contributing their own quota to the development of the State,” the commissioner said.

He appealed to all house owners and facility owners, either private, commercial or industrial in Oyo State to complement the effort of the State Government by promptly paying waste bills in order to achieve a safe, clean and healthy environment.

He added that with the successful completion and commissioning of the Awotan landfill, the contractor will mobilize to Ajakanga dump site for its rehabilitation and upgrading to landfill status, stating that the contractor has promised to complete the project in record time.

The contractor of the project and C.E.O, Messers Macpresse West African Limited, Alhaji Idowu Salawu, said that the Awotan landfill is characteristic of any landfill in the world, adding that history was made because the 50 scavengers, who have been working at the site could not be sure of Material Recovery Facility (MRF) that will handle 50 tonnes waste material every day and increase their income.

He said: “Another good thing that we have derived from here is, before we completed this project, we had been receiving commendation from the residents of this area. What we did here is purely scientific. The gas component here can power 1megawatt of electricity on 1 hectare of land. So, since we have six hectares here, we can generate 6 megawatts of electricity.

“On renewable energy, we will partner with LAUTECH for them to use this place as the practical aspect of the department the Government recently created.”

In his remarks, the Alawotan of Awotan, Oba Dauda Omotosho, appreciated Governor Makinde for making lives meaningful to all the residents of Awotan community and creating an environment that will be habitable for them.

He added that the Awotan community “has never had it this good,” saying the Makinde-led administration has taken the dividends of democracy to their door step.

Signed

Taiwo Adisa

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde