Ondo State Government has announced plans to install 10 plastic waste drop- off facilities across strategic locations in Akure the State Capital.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa made this disclosure during his address to traders at the popular Oja Oba marketing Akure as part of activities marking the 2025 World Environment Day (WED).
Speaking through the Administrative Secretary of OSEPA, Mrs Funke Adeoye, the governor who described World Environment Day as the largest annual celebration of environmental consciousness globally, which holds every June 5th.
He stressed that the day serves as a rallying point for governments, industries, communities, individuals, NGOs and civil society organisations to embrace sustainable alternatives in curbing plastic pollution and the indiscriminate use of single-use plastics.
Aiyedatiwa stated that the essence of World Environment Day is to draw attention to environmental issues and empower both individuals and corporate bodies to renew their commitment to eco- friendly practices aimed at building a cleaner and greener society.
According to the governor, “plastic pollution has emerged as one of the dangerous forms of pollution in recent times. It’s in the water we drink and the food we eat. It’s destroying our beaches and turning into global emergencies that affect every aspect of human life. “
He lamented that no fewer than 11 million tonnes of plastic find their way into our oceans and rivers annually, adding that in the last decade alone, the world has produced more plastic than it did in the entire previous century.
The governor disclosed that the state government is in partnership with a private recycling firm located at Igbatoro Road to mitigate the effects of plastic waste and convert it into wealth creation and revenue for the state.
He therefore urged major plastic producers and distributors in the state to adopt global best practices to ensure that the environment remains safe and conducive for all.
Earlier , the Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr Olumide Kinga, while addressing participants and market traders, expressed gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability in the state.
King stated that the 2025 WED theme “Ending Plastic Pollution” underscores the importance of a healthy environment for human well- being , Marine life, and ecosystem stability.
He emphasised that this year’s WED theme is to sensitize the general public on the urgent need to reduce plastic production and consumption, encourage sustainable reuse, and discourage indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste into the rivers, canals which lead to erosion, flooding, and even loss of lives and properties .
The road show was organised by the Ondo State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with other critical stakeholders from the state with support from Dejavu Hotel, OUK Supermarket, Blue-sky AgroAllied Ltd and 9ja Food.
