Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has identified the urgent need to address the challenges posed by plastic waste and flooding as a primary focus of his administration.
He emphasised that ongoing environmental degradation poses significant risks to both the ecosystem and public health.
Speaking at the 2024 OSEPA Summit, titled ‘Combating the Menace of Plastic Pollution in Ondo State 3.0’, held on Thursday at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure, Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to fostering a plastic-free environment across Ondo State.
The governor praised the efforts of the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA) and expressed his satisfaction with the consistent success of the annual summit since the agency’s establishment in 2022.
‘Plastic pollution continues to be a multifaceted crisis with severe consequences for our environment and human well-being’, the governor stated, underscoring the urgent need for collective action to address this issue.
He pointed out the persistent environmental challenges posed by improper waste disposal and the obstruction of waterways due to plastic debris.
Recalling the recent flash floods in Ondo Town, he expressed his sympathy for the affected residents and committed to ensuring that the state government implements measures to support victims and prevent future incidents.
“Our administration has already taken bold steps to protect the environment. We’ve deployed amphibious excavators in each senatorial district to dredge waterways and canals, ensuring free water flow and safeguarding lives and property”, he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged participants at the summit to develop innovative strategies for reducing plastic waste, emphasizing the importance of aligning their recommendations with global standards.
He highlighted the United Nations’ educational campaigns aimed at raising awareness about plastic pollution as a model for their efforts.
“Let me use this unique opportunity to reiterate our avowed commitment to zero waste philosophy in our dear Sunshine State. In spite of the enormous responsibilities of OSEPA, I wish to charge you to continue to display your professional skills in ensuring the achievement of this target committed to you.
“I wish to reiterate the resolve of our administration to adopt the Extended Producer Responsibility (ER) which is a scheme to make manufacturers of some items be responsible for creating measures to take back and recycle the products they produce. I am glad that OSEPA is looking into this critical step.
“We will continue to support OSEPA’s efforts within the framework of environmental regulations and won’t allow reckless degradation of our environment”, the Governor added.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed the importance of regulating scavenging operations in the state, acknowledging their contributions while highlighting pressing health and safety concerns.
“Ondo State must set the standard for environmental management in Nigeria. Our recent ‘Light Up’ project, which has illuminated major roadways, is already helping to reduce nighttime waste dumping,” the governor stated.
During his remarks, the Minister of State for Environment, Razak Salako, noted that the federal government is collaborating closely with the Ondo State government to tackle various environmental challenges.
He praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to fostering a cleaner environment and expressed the federal government’s satisfaction with the progress achieved under his leadership.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Special Adviser on Environment, Adeyemi Olayemi, recognized the governor’s steadfast support for OSEPA’s initiatives and commended the involvement of environmental professionals at the summit.
Olayemi also conveyed optimism that the summit’s outcomes would yield practical solutions to address plastic pollution and environmental degradation in the state.
