As part of efforts to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment, the Oyo State Government has introduced a daily environmental sanitation monitoring and enforcement system across the state.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, disclosed this during a press briefing held in the Ministry’s conference room to mark his first 100 days in office.
A statement signed on Tuesday by the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, quoted Aderinto to have stated that the Ministry has shifted from the traditional monthly environmental sanitation exercise to a more proactive system that encourages residents to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness on a daily basis.
He noted that this approach is being reinforced by continuous monitoring and enforcement by environmental health officers.
“We are now enforcing daily environmental sanitation. Our officers are on the field every day to ensure compliance cleanliness must become a daily responsibility,” he stated.
To strengthen operations, the Commissioner stated that the Ministry has re-engaged 930 Environmental Vanguards, sweepers, and waste packers, while also procuring two brand new compactor trucks with the support of Governor Seyi Makinde to enhance waste evacuation.
Highlighting the Ministry’s achievements, the Commissioner said the ministry has expanded its impact through strategic workforce deployment and innovation, adding that the 930 Environmental Personnel has been structured to improve enforcement and sanitation coverage.
Aderinto hinted that the sweepers are now operating twice daily to ensure cleaner roads across the state, while also benefiting from enrollment in the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme.
The Ministry also launched the Oyo Soro Soke (Oyo SSS) Environmental Whistleblower platform accessible via mobile applications and WhatsApp, empowering residents to report environmental violations and promote community participation in environmental governance.
The commissioner added that the Ministry has also strengthened operational capacity by introducing a first of its kind waste segregation system across government offices, and initiated Public Private Partnerships for the construction of modern public toilets.
While appreciating members of the Executive Council for their strong inter-ministrative collaboration, as well as the Permanent Secretary Dr. Sunday Ojelabi for his support, Aderinto thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve in his government, assuring that the confidence reposed in him will not be misplaced.
He mentioned improved media engagement through regular press briefings and public advisories on issues such as flooding, heat waves, cholera, and Lassa fever, as other achievements recorded by the ministry.
The Commissioner added that the Ministry has regulated charcoal production through a structured framework, commemorated World Earth Day with tree planting, intensified efforts to end open defecation, and strengthened interventions against diseases through inspections and environmental monitoring.
Reaffirming his commitment, Aderinto assured residents that the Ministry will sustain and build on these gains.
“The future of our environment in Oyo State is bright. What we have achieved in 100 days is only the beginning,” he concluded.
