- Ogun To Commence ‘Clean-Up Exercise’
In its bid to improve public hygiene and address the current model of waste management, the Ogun State Government has disclosed plans to commence ‘Clean-up exercise’.
The Secretary to the State Government, Mr Olatokunbo Talabi stated this at a stakeholders’ meeting with officials of the Ministry of Environment and members of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria in Abeokuta, the State capital.
Talabi who condemned the existing waste collection and management process in the State said it capable of endangering peoples’ lives.
He noted that efforts are already being put in place to address the anomaly before it becomes entrenched in the State.
“When we came in as a government, Governor Dapo Abiodun observed that the mode of waste collection, as well as its management, was not acceptable to the government and its people.
“We took time to study and observe the existing process of waste management in the State and came to the realisation that the process needed to be overhauled. Clearly, we need to reform this part of our lives; we should also be thinking of turning waste into wealth,” he said.
Talabi further disclosed that the State government had appointed a waste management expert to manage, supervise and direct the collection and management of waste generated in the State.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, reiterated Dapo Abiodun led-administration to ensure a clean and healthy state.
He called for the people’s cooperation in addressing the problem of waste management in the State.
To sensitise the people on the importance of maintaining a healthy environment, he said a clean-up initiative would soon be inaugurated in the State.
Oresanya added that a dedicated department that will work harmoniously with Local Governments would be created, as well as a short term plan to upgrade the designated dumpsites and a long term plan to build giant ones across the State.