Ondo expands waste management workforce to 51 operators
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ondo state government has increased the number of private waste management operators in the region from 19 to 51 as part of an aggressive strategy to overhaul public sanitation standards.
Speaking at the inauguration of 65 environmental clubs in Akure, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa revealed that his administration has also deployed 120 waste skips alongside two modern side-loader compactor trucks to streamline refuse collection across the state.
In addition to expanding the waste management fleet, the governor announced the reinstatement of the state environmental task force following an 18-month suspension, which coincides with the revival of mandatory monthly environmental sanitation exercises and a comprehensive review of existing local environmental laws.
Beyond immediate waste management measures, the state has commenced the formulation of the Ondo state climate change and circular economy policy to directly tackle emerging ecological threats whilst driving sustainable economic growth.
Under the auspices of the first lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, the newly launched student clubs aim to embed sustainable habits early by educating youth on tree planting, waste sorting, recycling, and water conservation.
Underscoring the urgency of these interventions, Governor Aiyedatiwa warned that indiscriminate waste disposal poses a severe risk to public health, local agriculture, and regional economic stability.
To ensure long-term oversight and technical progress, the administration is actively strengthening strategic partnerships with key regulatory bodies and international organisations, including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, and the Food and Beverages Recycling Alliance.
Echoing this collaborative approach, the governor’s wife, Esther Aiyedatiwa, and the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, jointly called on students and local communities to take full ownership of these green initiatives to combat persistent threats such as flooding, deforestation, and plastic pollution.
