By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his commitment to Zero waste philosophy in the State.

The Governor restated his commitment on Thursday while declaring the 2024 Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA) summit open.

The 2024 OSEPA summit on combating the menace of plastic pollution tagged “Consolidation time :3.0” took place at the international culture and events center, Akure.

Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA) for its efforts and expressed satisfaction with the consistency of the annual summit since the agency’s creation in 2022.

“Plastic pollution remains a hydra-headed problem with devastating effects on our environment and the healthy existence of humanity,” Aiyedatiwa noted, emphasizing the need for collaborative action to combat the issue.

The governor highlighted the ongoing environmental challenges, including improper waste disposal and clogged waterways caused by plastics. He recalled recent flash floods in Ondo Town, expressing sympathy for affected residents and pledging that the state government would take necessary steps to assist victims and prevent future occurrences.

“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.

Aiyedatiwa urged participants at the summit to generate innovative ideas on reducing plastic waste and align their recommendations with global standards, such as the United Nations’ educational campaigns for plastic pollution awareness.

He also stressed the importance of integrating environmental education into schools to cultivate the next generation of sustainability advocates.

“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.” He added

The governor also addressed the need to streamline scavenging operations within the state, recognizing their value but pointing out health and safety concerns.

“We are ready to allocate proper spaces for scavengers to operate safely, away from market areas and other sensitive locations,” Aiyedatiwa remarked.

Earlier in his address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Hon. Adeyemi Olayemi appreciated the Governor for his support, efforts and concern to provide conducive environment for all citizens.

He noted that the mandate given to to OSEPA is to serve as the Environmental Regulator for the State with a codename “Watchdog of the State environment”.

He added that the 2024 version of the summit is to consolidate on the modest achievements made so far and to move to zero tolerance and philosophy.

In his goodwill message, the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, encouraged the ministry of environment and OSEPA to do more of private initiative and explore more.

He noted that his office will do their best to get rid of plastics and give Ondo state an entirely clean environment.

On his own part, the commissioner for environment, Oyeniyi Oseni, appreciated the Governor for his efforts in ensuring that the State is free of dirt. He added that the ministry of environment will continue to work towards a waste free environment in the State.

Chairman of the Summit, Vice Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Professor Olugbenga Ige in his remarks encouraged the agency to continue on his vision to protect and improve the sanity of environment on all front.

Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Isiaq Salako said the Aiyetoro Sea Incursion will soon be a thing of the past with the effort of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa.

He saluted the the Governor for keying into the vision of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda on combating environmental degradation.

The highlight of the event included presentation of award to the Governor.

In attendance were: The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, members of the State Executive Council, market women, youths, secondary school students.