In its efforts to bequeath a safe and clean environment to the citizens of Ondo State, the State Government has introduced biodegradable carriers bags to replace Polythene/Nylon bags.
This was disclosed during the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA) stakeholders’ meeting recently held in Akure.
The move was taken to further protect the State’s environment in line with world best practices.
The Chairman of the event, Dr. Patrick Tolani noted that biodegradable carrier bags are designed to naturally decompose into non-toxic components thus minimising their impacts on the environment.
On the contrary, Dr. Tolani further explained that polythene and nylon bags are non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, thereby polluting the ecosystem and harming wildlife.
He further said that biodegradable bags help reduce waste accumulation when discarded as they easily break down over time. Whereas, polythene/nylon bags accumulate in landfills, constitute nuisances and unnecessarily add to the growing waste problems.
Researchers from higher institutions contributed meaningfully to the discussion and expressed their willingness to partner with the State Government in order to combat the menace of plastic pollution in the State.
A major highlight of the event was the fact that Ondo State was the first State in Nigeria to adopt this laudable initiative.
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Wale Akinwalire, Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Environment, Hon. Oyeniyi Oseni who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of OSEPA, Princess Korede Giwa, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, General Manager, Ondo State Waste Management Authority, Stakeholders in the Environmental Sector, Students, Market Women, Business owners and Community Leaders.
