By Kemi Olatunde
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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered an immediate review of waste management policies and operations in the State, particularly in Akure, the State capital.
The Governor handed down the directive during a meeting with the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Sunday Akinwalire, at the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure.
Aiyedatiwa expressed dissatisfaction with the state of cleanliness in the State capital, saying that Akure must be returned to its old status as one of the cleanest state capitals in Nigeria.
The Governor emphasized his administration’s commitment towards making all the nooks and crannies of the state clean, with particular attention to the state capital.
Following the Governor’s directive, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Sunday Akinwalire, on Tuesday embarked on an inspection/monitoring exercise to strategic areas and various dumpsites within Akure, the state capital.
During the exercise, the Commissioner was accompanied by some Directors from the Ministry of Environment, officials of the Waste Management Authority, State Task Force officials and some security agencies.
Ahead of the inspection visit, the Commissioner held a meeting with stakeholders in waste management in the State to map out strategies to implement the directive of the Governor through the launching of #KeepOndoClean initiative.
Speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner, who said Governor Aiyedatiwa was concerned about the healthy living of the citizens, urged the people to live in a healthy environment to avoid contacting contagious diseases.
Akinwalire implored the public to make their environment clean and live a healthy lifestyle, as the government would do everything possible to make the environment more people friendly.
The Commissioner however warned people trading on the walkways as well as those dumping refuse on major roads to desist from such acts and obey environmental laws, noting that the government has established a disciplinary court for defaulters.