As part of activities marking World Clean Day, the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources on Saturday carried out a clean-up exercise across selected markets in Ibadan to promote environmental hygiene and responsible waste management.
The exercise, led by the Director of Environmental Health from the Ministry, Mrs. Bukola Oluseun Areo featured the participation of Environmental Health Officers and members of the Environmental Task Force. The operation took place at Oja’oba Market, one of the busiest markets in the city, where traders and residents were educated on proper waste disposal and the dangers of indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
The sensitization team emphasized the importance of collaborating with registered waste contractors for effective waste evacuation, noting that indiscriminate dumping pollutes the environment and exposes the public to health risks.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr. Seun Temilolu Nurudeen Ashamu, commended the efforts of the officers who participated in the clean-up and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment across the state.
“We appreciate the commitment of our Environmental Health Officers and the Task Force. The government will continue to strengthen policies and enforcement mechanisms to ensure Oyo State remains clean and habitable. We admonish everyone to join hands with the government to make our environment neat and attractive,” the Commissioner said.
Barr. Ashamu also highlighted that the exercise was part of the Ministry’s drive to create greater awareness among residents and market stakeholders on the need to adopt responsible waste management practices in support of Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision for a sustainable environment.
The Director of Environmental Health , Mrs. Areo added that the Ministry would intensify public sensitization and enforcement activities to curb illegal dumping, urging market leaders to take ownership of environmental cleanliness in their respective areas.
Traders and residents of Oja’oba Market expressed appreciation to the government for the initiative, pledging to maintain cleaner surroundings and support the ongoing efforts to make Ibadan and other towns in Oyo State cleaner and healthier.
