*Gov Commissions Several Public Welfare Projects
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Oyo State government has warned waste management consultants across the state to improve their performance or face sanctions, including the redistribution of their operational areas and possible disengagement.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, gave the warning during a meeting with waste consultants at the NEWMAP Conference Hall of the Ministry in Ibadan, the state capital.
Aderinto said the state government would commence full enforcement of its house-to-house waste collection policy from 1 September, stressing that only consultants with the capacity and commitment to deliver efficient services would remain in the system.
He warned that consultants who failed to meet performance expectations would have additional operators deployed to their areas, while persistent poor performance could lead to their removal.
He added that Governor Seyi Makinde remained committed to leaving a lasting legacy of environmental sustainability, warning that the government would not hesitate to take necessary actions against any operator whose poor performance undermined the state’s environmental sanitation goals.
He further urged members of the public to blend into the state’s waste management architecture by ensuring that they register with verified, assigned and legally-recognised waste contractors operating within their areas.
The Commissioner also advised residents to desist from engaging illegal waste operators who go around dumping refuse at non-designated locations, noting that such practices create environmental disorder, make proper waste management difficult and portray the state in a negative light before the rest of the world.
He urged residents who currently do not have a waste collector or an assigned waste contractor to contact the General Manager of the Oyo State Waste Management Authority on 08067945877 or the Director of Environmental Health Services of the Ministry on 08062250237 for appropriate guidance and assistance.
Recall that the Commissioner had, earlier, during a press briefing with journalists at his office, announced that effective from 1 September, the Ministry would commence house-to-house enforcement of waste management evacuation receipts across the state.
The meeting with waste consultants, therefore, serves as a follow-up to that engagement with journalists, as the government intensifies efforts to ensure effective, sustainable and orderly waste management across Oyo State.
Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi; the General Manager, Oyo State Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA), Engr. Afolabi Akeem Adewale; Directors of the Ministry, and waste management consultants, among others.
Gov Commissions Several Public Welfare Projects
Meanwhile, Gov. Makinde on Friday commissioned 177 shops, road network, other projects in Ibadan North-East LGA of the state.
Makinde commissioned 69 lock-up shops, 108 open stalls, a motor park, a new road network, and a modern restaurant constructed by the LG at the Agodi-Gate Market, Ibadan.
Speaking at the commissioning event held at Araromi Market, Gate, Ibadan, the governor declared that his administration would continue to redefine governance at all levels in the state.
Following the commissioning of the lock-up shops and open stalls, Gov. Makinde directed that roadside traders at the Agodi-Gate Market be relocated into the newly-built shops at no cost to the beneficiaries.
The commissioning came barely 24 hours after the governor inaugurated a road network, a fire service building, and an ultramodern car park with shops at the Bodija International Market, Ibadan, constructed by the Ibadan North LG.
Makinde commended the Chairman of Ibadan North-East LG, Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo, for delivering the laudable projects.
He noted that the collaboration between the state and LGs in Oyo State had resulted in impactful developments.
Makinde added that the newly-constructed market and motor park had restored the once-busy commercial hub to its former glory, providing traders and commuters with a safer and more conducive environment for business and urged traders and motorists to use the facilities responsibly.
Governor Makinde said: “I am glad today that we have restored the glory of this park through the Ibadan North-East Local Government. And as for the traders who sell their wares on the roadside, your names have been properly documented and the shops will be given to you free of charge.
“Report anyone who tries to collect money from you. Move away from the road and enter the park. We have decided that we will always make provisions before prohibiting roadside trading. What people fail to realise is that these traders use part of their little profit to send their children to school. So, we have done this project to ease their burden.”
In his welcome address, Hon. Akintayo appreciated Gov. Makinde for his commitment to people-oriented policies, noting that such policies inspired LGs to embark on projects that directly improve lives.
He explained that the projects would promote orderly transportation, stimulate commerce, create jobs, improve sanitation, provide a conducive business environment, and enhance revenue generation for the LG.
He urged transport unions, market associations, business owners, and other users of the facilities to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, preventing vandalism, complying with operational guidelines, and ensuring orderliness.
Giving the vote of thanks, the Commissioner for LG and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, expressed gratitude to the governor for his unwavering support to local councils.
He also appreciated stakeholders for their contributions to the successful completion of the projects and for ensuring ease of doing business in the state.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Commissioners, Chairman of LG Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y. K. Abass; market leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Makinde.
