By Kemi Olatunde

Chairman of the Ondo State Waste Management Board, Mrs. Yinka Alabi, has emphasised the need for collaboration with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to ensure a cleaner environment in the state.

Alabi made the call on Saturday during the March edition of the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Akure, where she commended the Rotary Club for its involvement.

Describing the club’s participation as a demonstration of its commitment to environmental sustainability, she stressed the importance of collective efforts by stakeholders in enhancing the state’s sanitary conditions.

Similarly, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, lauded the organisation’s support in keeping the state capital clean and called for more partnerships to achieve the sanitation objectives in Akure.

Fasua expressed displeasure over the nonchalant attitude of some residents towards the exercise, warning against disregard for sanitation laws.

“Anyone who violates the sanitation law will henceforth face the full wrath of the law. The stipulated period for the exercise is not meant for meetings or football games but strictly for keeping the environment clean,” he declared.

The General Manager of Ondo State Waste Management Authority (OSWMA), Mr. Fola Omowole, disclosed that the agency was set to introduce sanitation ambassadors on a monthly basis to sustain cleanliness across the state.

“Part of our programme this year is to dedicate each month to a specific sanitation clean-up exercise. We will also appoint sanitation sectional ambassadors to serve as the face of the campaign for each month,” he stated.

Omowole assured that continuous public sensitisation efforts would be undertaken to mitigate environmental hazards in the state.

Speaking with The Hope, the President of the Rotary Club, Akure Metro, Rotarian (Dr.) Toyin Adeyalo-Ogundare, said the club’s involvement aligned with its theme for the month.

“The Rotary Club, Akure Metro, is marking the month of March in line with our focus for each month. We have partnered with OSWMA and Akure South Local Government to partake in this sanitation exercise,” she noted.

She urged residents to embrace proper waste disposal practices to prevent disease outbreaks in the state.

The club members carried out sanitation activities at the popular Oja Oba market and neighbouring communities, reinforcing their commitment to a cleaner environment.