In a renewed effort to uphold environmental sanity in Oyo State, a total of 19 offenders were arrested by the Environmental Response Rapid Squad (ERRS) and Environmental Health Officers for violating the state’s environmental laws. Sixteen (16) individuals were apprehended for illegal dumping of waste on road medians, while three (3) others were caught for open defecation.

The arrests were made at different times — some around 4:30 a.m. this morning, while others were picked up around 9:00 p.m. last night during surveillance operations across parts of Ibadan metropolis.

The offenders were promptly arraigned before Justice Olumide Abifarin at the Mobile Court situated within the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Those found guilty of illegal waste dumping were fined ₦50,000 and ₦30,000 respectively, while offenders of open defecation were fined ₦10,000 each, in line with the Oyo State Environmental Sanitation and Waste Management Regulation (2013) which prohibits indiscriminate disposal of waste and open defecation in public spaces.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources reiterated its commitment to enforcing a clean and healthy environment for all, urging residents to desist from all forms of environmental infractions. The Ministry emphasized that cleanliness is everyone’s business, warning that continuous defaulters would face stiffer penalties in accordance with the state’s environmental laws.

Residents are advised to make use of authorized waste collection points and engage licensed waste contractors to avoid arrest and prosecution.

Oyo State has recorded a historic leap in climate and environmental governance, climbing from the 34th position in 2024 to 7th in the newly released Sub-National Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking (SCGPRR) 2025.

The report, produced by the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, assesses all 36 Nigerian states based on their efforts toward climate governance, environmental sustainability, and clean energy initiatives.

This remarkable progress reflects the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, who has prioritized sustainable development and environmental protection as integral parts of his administration’s agenda. Championed by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr. Temilolu ‘Seun Ashamu with commitment to promoting climate governance, clean energy transition and climate-friendly projects, the leap from 34th to 7th position demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to building a more sustainable Oyo State.

Speaking on the feat, the Director for Pollution Monitoring and Quality Control, Mrs. Funmilayo E. Adesina said “when we made our submissions the Honourable Commissioner insisted we submitted statewide projects and programmes, not just those of the Ministry of Environment; these included the State’s gas masterplan, over 15MW of solar deployments (public and private) and a number of other projects. We were also able to showcase the redrafted policy on Climate Action Plan and His Excellency’s recent approval for a State Climate Action Council”.

These measures have ensured that Oyo’s climate initiatives remain inclusive and impact-driven.

The SCGPRR evaluated all Nigerian states based on five major indicators: Climate Institution and Governance, Climate Policy and Action Plan, Climate Project Implementation and Monitoring, Climate Budget and Finance, and Climate Online Visibility. Oyo State’s strong performance across these indicators earned it a “High Performance” rating, placing it among the top seven states in Nigeria alongside Lagos, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Enugu and Osun.

Addressing journalists shortly after the official announcement, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr. Temilolu ‘Seun Ashamu, said Oyo State’s impressive performance was the result of deliberate innovation, coordination, and commitment under the leadership of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde.

Speaking on the development, the Commissioner told newsmen that while the submission captured landmark interventions, a key indicator were the positions taken by Oyo at the recent United Nations SB.62 conference, likewise the various trainings and programmes undertaken with UNICEF in the last few months.

“All of these initiatives reflect our government’s dedication to innovation and sustainability,” he said. “They are the cumulative efforts that helped Oyo State move from 34th to 7th position within a short period of time. This did not happen by chance, it is the product of planning, teamwork, and visionary leadership—we are focussing on adaptation and resilience in the State.”

Barr. Ashamu also commended His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for providing the platform and support that made these achievements possible.

“All credit goes to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, who gave us the opportunity and environment to implement innovative ideas. His leadership continues to inspire our drive toward a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Oyo State,” he added.

With this milestone, Oyo State has further established itself as a model for subnational climate governance in Nigeria, proving that strong leadership, institutional synergy, and sustainable planning can deliver measurable progress in environmental development.

Oyo State continues to move closer to realising the vision of a cleaner, greener and resilient future for residents.

The Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Oyo State, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro has expressed his readiness to step aside if all party stakeholders agreed to pick a gubernatorial candidate from Oke-Ogun zone of the state come 2027 general elections.

Hon. Ogungbenro made the declaration on Tuesday at the party general meeting held in Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state.

Hon. Ogungbenro emerged recently for the second term to lead the affairs of the Oyo State PDP for another four years. Hon. Ogungbenro appealed to everyone at the meeting to keep supporting the administration of Gov Seyi Makinde.

Hon. Ogungbenro praised Gov Makinde over the approval road project worth over N30billion in Itesiwaju LGA.

Also speaking at the well attended meeting was the Itesiwaju LGA Chairman, Hon. Monsuru Ojo Olayemi. He reiterated that PDP is united from Ward 1 to 10 of the council. He called on party faithful, leaders in Itesiwaju LGA to keep supporting Gov Makinde.

Representative of the PDP leaders in the Local Government, Hon. E.T Akinleye said Oyo State is lucky to have Governor Makinde. He described Governor Makinde as a transformational leader whose leadership has become a model beyond Oyo State.

Leader of the Legislative House, Itesiwaju LGA, Hon. Soliu Mutairu praised the party leaders in the Local Government. He charged the good people of Itesiwaju LGA to remain steadfast in their support for Gov Makinde.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye in his brief address, commended the Gov Makinde, party leaders and loyal party members. He reaffirmed that Itesiwaju LGA belongs to PDP and declared that the party across Oyo LGAs.

Also present at the meeting were PDP Party Chairman, Itesiwaju LGA, Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi, Vice Chairman, Itesiwaju LGA, Hon. Taiwo Ajayi, Councillors from Ward 1 to 10, Political Aides among others.

Hon. Engr. Hamzat Opeyemi Rilwan Olunlade, aspirant for the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ibadan North East Constituency I, has once again demonstrated his commitment to the growth and development of the party at the grassroots level through a generous donation of a Plasma Television and a GOTV to the Ibadan North East Local Government APC Party Office located at Oke-Adu, Ibadan.

The donation, aimed at enhancing communication and creating a more conducive environment for party activities, was warmly received by the Local Government Party Chairman, Alhaji Azeez Asimolowo Elewure, alongside other members of the Local Government Executive Committee.

This act of generosity further underscores Hon. Engr. Hamzat Opeyemi Rilwan Olunlade’s dedication to strengthening the party’s structure and supporting its leadership at all levels. His gesture reflects true progressive values — service, humility, and commitment to collective growth.

As a promising aspirant for the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olunlade continues to inspire confidence among party members and constituents alike, proving that leadership is about contribution, not position.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has congratulated Senator Brimo Yusuf, a former National Assembly member, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

Alli in a congratulatory statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan, described him as a visionary leader and statesman.

He extolled Yusuf’s remarkable contributions to national development and his unwavering commitment to public service.

Alli said that Yusuf’s political journey and life of service exemplify integrity, wisdom and patriotism, noting that he remained an inspiration to the younger generation of leaders in Oyo State and beyond.

The lawmaker prayed that Almighty God continues to grant the elder statesman good health, strength and peace to enjoy the fruits of his noble service to humanity.

Alli rejoiced with Senator Yusuf’s family, associates and well-wishers, urging them to continue to celebrate a man whose life remains a shining example of humility, dedication and leadership.