Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved a major expansion of the state’s private waste management sector, increasing the number of licensed private waste operators from 19 to 51. The move forms part of a broader package of reforms aimed at strengthening sanitation and improving waste management across the state.
Announcing the initiative in a post on the state’s official X handle, the governor also disclosed the deployment of 120 waste skips and two modern side-loader compactor trucks. In addition, the State Environmental Task Force has been restored after an 18-month hiatus, and the monthly environmental sanitation exercises have been revived.
Aiyedatiwa spoke on Wednesday at the launch of 65 Renewed Hope Environment Clubs in secondary schools and tertiary institutions, held at The Dome in Akure. According to the governor, the reforms are designed to strengthen sanitation, protect public health and promote environmental sustainability throughout Ondo State.
He further revealed plans to formulate the Ondo State Climate Change and Circular Economy Policy and to review existing environmental laws, signalling a legislative and policy dimension to the administration’s environmental agenda.
Emphasising that environmental protection is essential to public health, economic growth and sustainable development, the governor explained that the newly established clubs fall under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The clubs will 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, noting that sustainable practices can create jobs, encourage entrepreneurship and attract investment to the state.
The event drew contributions from other stakeholders. Mrs Esther Aiyedatiwa, wife of the governor, urged students to serve as environmental ambassadors, while the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, endorsed the initiative and called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, schools and communities.
Commissioner for Environment Dr Tob Loko said the clubs would take environmental education beyond the classroom and into practical community action.
Takeaway: the expansion of private waste operators, combined with new equipment, a restored task force and revived sanitation exercises, underscores the Aiyedatiwa administration’s resolve to build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Ondo State.
