The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, has said defaulters of environmental laws in the state will be brought to justice under the recently established commission on the rule of law.
At an event to commemorate this year’s World Clean-Up Day organised by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in collaboration with Recycledge, an environmental protection organisation, Barr. Lawal said punishment will apply to those engaged in harmful environmental practices like improper disposal of waste, indiscriminate and illegal felling of tress, among others.
The event, with the theme, ‘Make Room For Life,’ was held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Friday, September 20.
The commemoration of the international observation also continued on Saturday, September 21, with the cleaning up of major roads within Ibadan, starting from Cocoa House, Dugbe to Mokola Roundabout.
The Deputy Governor emphasised the impact of harmful human practices on the environment, noting that the government has taken environmental cleanliness as a key policy.
He added that the establishment of the Commission on Rule of Law is part of the proactive steps taken by the current administration to tackle environmental issues and promote environment-friendly behaviours among citizens.
He said, “This present administration has been proactive in tackling issues related to climate change by promoting the use of renewable energy and encouraging tree planting campaigns across the state. We recognise that making room for life means taking deliberate steps to preserve the ecosystems that support life.
“I implore every citizen of Oyo State to abide by the environmental laws and patronise the waste contractors assigned to their communities instead of disposing of waste indiscriminately. Kindly be informed that a commission on the Rule of Law has been established and part of their role is to enforce environmental laws and bring defaulters to justice.”
In a welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Honourable Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, said the event is important given the attendant effects of waste and other harmful environmental practices on human life.
Mogbonjubola added that the commemoration shouldn’t be the only focus, instead, individuals must begin to embrace and adopt daily actions that protect the environment.
He said, “As we celebrate this occasion, let us be reminded that we have a part to play in the effort to clean, protect and preserve our planet. In line with this vision, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has intensified efforts to implement strategies and policies that promote effective waste management, recycling, environmental education and sustainable development.
“Beyond today, however, we must remember that cleanup is just the beginning. It is equally important to embrace sustainable practices in our everyday lives. From reducing waste and reusing materials to recycling and supporting eco-friendly products, we must make choices that “Make Room for Life” –choices that reduce the burden on our environment and create rooms for nature to heal and prosper.”
The Chairman of the Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Honourable Gbenga Oyekola, in his goodwill message, assured of the Assembly’s legislative support in the enactment of laws to enforce environmental laws and promote environmental health in the state.
The event also featured lectures from Dr Adamu Garba, the Chief Operating Officer of Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre and Dr Shade Akinsete, a former Head of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Ibadan.
They both emphasised that making room for life, in line with the event’s theme, includes the adoption of habits that promote environmental hygiene, environmental sustainability and planning for the future.
The event also featured a panel discussion by non-governmental organisations on their environmental sustainability models.
It was attended by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Solihu Adelabu; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni; Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, Honourable Sikiru Sanda, among others.
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