The Ondo State Government has taken steps to strengthen environmental sanitation and curb indiscriminate waste disposal. As part of these efforts, the State Environmental Task Force has been reconstituted after 18 months of inactivity. Additionally, the number of private waste management operators has been increased from 19 to 51. This move aims to improve waste collection and disposal across the state.
The state government has also deployed 120 waste skips and two modern side-loader compactor trucks to enhance waste management. Furthermore, the monthly environmental sanitation exercise has been reinstated. These initiatives were announced by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa during the inauguration of 65 Renewed Hope Environment Clubs in secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the state. The event took place at the Dr Olusegun Mimiko International Centre for Culture and Events, The Dome, in Akure.
According to Governor Aiyedatiwa, these measures form part of a broader environmental reform agenda. The agenda aims to improve waste collection and disposal, strengthen environmental enforcement, and prepare young people to respond to emerging ecological challenges. The governor emphasized that environmental degradation, indiscriminate waste disposal, and the destruction of natural resources pose serious threats to public health, agriculture, livelihoods, and sustainable development.
Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted the importance of protecting the state's natural resources. He noted that forests, rivers, wetlands, farmlands, coastlines, and urban settlements are crucial for livelihoods, food and water sources, biodiversity, and natural assets. The governor's administration has commenced the formulation of the Ondo State Climate Change and Circular Economy Policy and is reviewing existing environmental laws to address prevailing environmental challenges.
The governor's administration has strengthened collaboration with environmental agencies, including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and the Food and Beverages Recycling Alliance (FBRA). These partnerships aim to improve environmental monitoring and technical capacity. The government's response to the odour nuisance incident in Akure was cited as an example of the need for timely and coordinated environmental interventions.
The Renewed Hope Environment Clubs were established under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The clubs aim to promote environmental awareness among young people through practical activities such as tree planting, waste sorting, recycling, sanitation, water conservation, and peer education. The governor urged students to become environmental ambassadors and called on stakeholders to support the initiative.
The initiative has received support from various stakeholders, including the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, and the Chairman of the Ondo State Waste Management Board, Mrs Yinka Alabi. They emphasized the importance of environmental education and community engagement in promoting sustainable practices. The clubs are expected to serve as active platforms for learning, innovation, and community engagement.
Key points
- The Ondo State Government has reconstituted the State Environmental Task Force and increased private waste management operators from 19 to 51.
- The government has deployed 120 waste skips and two modern side-loader compactor trucks to enhance waste management.
- The Renewed Hope Environment Clubs aim to promote environmental awareness among young people through practical activities such as tree planting, waste sorting, and recycling.
