Oyo State government and other stakeholders have urged residents to contribute their quota in the ongoing sustainable waste management initiative in the state.
Chairman, Oyo State Waste Task Force, Mrs. Adedayo Aderonke, gave the charge during a webinar commemorating the 2023 World Earth Day.
The webinar was organised by the Oyo State Waste Management Consultant, Mottainai Recycling Ltd.
Also had in attendance at the event were some other major stakeholders in the sector, as well as environmentalists.
Mrs Adedayo spoke on the theme, “Sustainable Waste Management: Investing In Our Planet For A Cleaner Future”.
She lamented the degradation of the earth through indiscriminate waste disposal by humans.
She however said the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration is determined to address the waste management chain in the state, by taking the bull by the horn.
Mrs Adedayo said the proactive move of the government has led to construction of roads and feeder roads in the state.
The move by the government, she added, has, in turn, reduced food wastage and prompt delivery of food items.
“The Oyo State government has ensured construction of roads leading to the northern part of the state (Oke-Ogun) because that is where food items are produced.
“By doing this, there is a massive reduction in food loss, and in the next two- three years, food will get to consumers quicker,” she said.
Mrs Adedayo commended Mottainai Recycling Ltd for assisting the state government to ensure waste contractors, otherwise known as Mottainai Accredited Franchisees (MAFs), get things done right this time.
According to her, some of the uncoordinated human activities which have inflicted serious damages on the mother earth, included indiscriminate disposal of wastes and high intensity of fossil fuel, among other factors.
She implored Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of going green, by planting flowers, adding that it was through that the health of the people and that of the earth could be protected.
In his presentation, an accredited MAF, Mr. Abimbola Gbenjo, implored residents of Ibadan to use appropriate waste containers.
Another stakeholder, Emmanuel Ola-Olawoyo, said man is responsible for the alteration in the state of the earth, due to poor waste management.
He added that the poor practice, which he said is manifesting in rising temperature, has contributed to the poor economic standard.
Ola-Olawoyo however commended the government for changing the narratives, and taking bold steps to end indiscriminate waste disposal in the state.
Seun Fasuhanmi, the Chief Operating Officer, Mottainai Recycling Ltd., said Public Private Partnership (PPP) will bring about rapid development in the waste management scheme in Oyo State.
She urged the Legislature and other actors in the environment sector to pursue laws and resolutions that will save the earth, reduce unnecessary carbon emission activities, pursue the program of reuse product, recycle and reduce waste.
Speaking on how Mottainai has been tackling waste disposal in the state, Ms. Uloma Airhieenbuwa said the company has leveraged on technology to improve waste collection in the state.
She added that the process has eased the sorting and recycling system, as this has also helped the company in harnessing a smart waste system.
Also, individuals were urged to switch to renewable energy sources, educate others on the negative impact of climate change; stop green-house gas effect.
They were admonished to organise or sort waste products appropriately before disposing and also promote a greener environment.
