The Oyo State Government has unveiled a new strategy aimed at improving environmental cleanliness, introducing a daily sanitation monitoring and enforcement system across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, disclosed this during a press briefing held to mark his first 100 days in office.
According to him, the new approach represents a shift from the long-standing monthly environmental sanitation exercise to a more proactive and sustained system that places responsibility on residents to maintain cleanliness every day.
He explained that the initiative is supported by continuous field 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, and cleanliness must become a daily responsibility,” he stated.
To strengthen implementation, the government has re-engaged 930 environmental workers, including vanguards, sweepers, and waste packers. In addition, two new compactor trucks have been procured with the support of Governor Seyi Makinde to enhance waste collection and disposal.
The commissioner further revealed plans to increase operational efficiency, noting that sweepers will now work twice daily to maintain cleaner roads across the state. He added that these workers are also being integrated into the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme to improve their welfare.
As part of efforts to deepen community participation, the Ministry launched the Oyo Soro Soke Environmental Whistleblower platform, which allows residents to report environmental violations through mobile applications and WhatsApp.
The ministry has also introduced a waste segregation system within government offices—an initiative aimed at promoting proper waste management practices. In addition, public-private partnerships are being explored to support the construction of modern public toilet facilities.
Aderinto highlighted broader achievements recorded within his first 100 days, including improved public communication through regular press briefings and advisories on environmental and public health concerns such as flooding, heat waves, cholera, and Lassa fever.
He added that the ministry has intensified efforts to regulate charcoal production, curb open defecation, and strengthen environmental inspections to reduce disease risks.
“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,” he said.
Expressing appreciation to the governor and members of the state executive council for their support, Aderinto assured residents that the ministry would continue to build on its progress.
“The future of our environment in Oyo State is bright. What we have achieved in 100 days is only the beginning,” he said.
