Ondo expands private waste operators to 51

File: Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has increased the number of private waste operators in the state from 19 to 51 as part of sweeping reforms to improve sanitation and waste management.

The governor also announced the deployment of 120 waste skips and two modern side-loader compactor trucks, the restoration of the State Environmental Task Force after an 18-month break, and the revival of monthly environmental sanitation exercises.

In a post obtained from the state’s X handle, speaking on Wednesday at the launch of 65 Renewed Hope Environment Clubs in secondary schools and tertiary institutions at The Dome in Akure, Aiyedatiwa said: “The reforms would strengthen sanitation, protect public health and promote environmental sustainability across the state.”

He disclosed plans to formulate the Ondo State Climate Change and Circular Economy Policy and to review existing environmental laws.

The governor emphasised that environmental protection is essential for public health, economic growth and sustainable development. He noted that the clubs, established under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, would engage students in tree planting, recycling, waste sorting, water conservation and community sanitation.

Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to responsible environmental management under the OUR EASE Developmental Agenda, stating that sustainable practices could create jobs, encourage entrepreneurship and attract investment.

His wife, Mrs Esther Aiyedatiwa, urged students to become environmental ambassadors, while the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, endorsed the initiative and called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, schools and communities.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Tob Loko, said the clubs would take environmental education beyond the classroom into practical community action.

The reforms reinforce the Aiyedatiwa administration’s resolve to build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Ondo State.