In the last eight days, the Environmental Task Force of the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has arrested 66 individuals for offences ranging from illegal waste disposal to open defecation in different parts of the state.Among those arrested was a learned individual who, shockingly, used his personal car to transport refuse from his residence only to dump it on the road median. This single act speaks volumes about the poor attitude of some residents toward environmental sanitation and their blatant disregard for laws designed to protect our collective well-being.
The Oyo State Government, under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has continued to demonstrate strong commitment toward making the state clean, healthy, and environmentally friendly. Several proactive measures have been implemented to achieve this vision. These include the engagement of street sweepers to maintain cleanliness on major roads and streets, the provision of waste bins at strategic locations to encourage proper waste disposal, and a partnership with private waste collectors to ensure regular evacuation of refuse. The government has also intensified stakeholder and market sensitization to promote environmental awareness and shared responsibility among the populace.
Yet, despite these massive investments and continuous sensitization efforts, some individuals have chosen to frustrate the government’s hard work by dumping waste indiscriminately , especially on newly renovated and beautified roads. These reckless acts not only deface the environment but also undermine the state’s image and pose serious health risks to the public. It is painful that at a time when the government is beautifying the state through the renovation of major roads and public spaces, some residents still treat these infrastructures with utter disdain. Cleanliness is a collective responsibility, not a government duty alone. Every act of illegal dumping or open defecation erases the progress being made toward a modern, clean, and livable Oyo State.
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources reiterates that offenders will face strict penalties, including fines and community service, as stipulated by environmental laws. Members of the public are therefore urged to dispose of their waste responsibly, patronize registered waste collectors, and report illegal dumping to the nearest authority.
Together, we can make Oyo State a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful place to live
Ki Oyo le dun wo, ojuse emi ati iwo ni ooo
