Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has pledged that his administration would crack the culturally-entrenched behaviours affecting the environment and waste management for the benefit of the people of the state.
The governor stated this while swearing-in the newly-appointed Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Pastor Ademola Temitayo Aderinto, at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan.
Speaking shortly after the administration of the Oath of Office and signing of the Oath Book, Makinde acknowledged that his administration has more to do in the areas of waste management and environmental issues.
He, however, assured that positive changes would take place before the expiration of his tenure, and called for the cooperation of the people.
Makinde added that he had handled political appointments differently in the state by appointing people based on what they can offer and the values they can add to the state, rather than based on political affiliations or recommendation by godfathers.
He congratulated Aderinto on his new assignment, just as he thanked the Oyo State House of Assembly for approving the nominee after doing due diligence.
He said: “I always say that the reward for hard work is more work. So, it is more work for you.
“Let me also use this opportunity to say thank you to the Oyo State House of Assembly. We sent his name to you and you did what you had to do within a record time.
“No rancour, no issues. That is how we are in our state. We work together for the benefit of our state.
“Pastor Aderinto, you have taken the Oath of Office and you are going to the Ministry of Environment. It is a challenging ministry, one of the areas that we have more to do.
“There are things that are entrenched culturally and we have to crack them; we have to make things better.
“We worked together while you were Special Assistant on Environment. So, it is not a completely new terrain for you. I believe you will perform well.”
Governor Makinde admonished the new commissioner to hit the ground running, noting that, though there is limited time before the expiration of the tenure, he could still make a difference in the areas of environment and waste management.
He said: “Let me also mention to the new commissioner that you are in a race against time. This is January, and as an administration, we will be gone in another year and maybe four months. So, there are a total of 16 months.
“But even in 16 months, you can make a difference. You can write your name in gold in Oyo State, because when you have the privilege to serve, it’s an opportunity to let people know that you are fit for that leadership position.”
Speaking with the press after he was sworn-in, the new Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources said the issues of environmental waste management, climate action and environment protection would be addressed.
He charged the people of the state to cooperate with the government and imbibe the attitude of cleanliness, environmental protection and appropriate disposal of waste.
