Ondo State Environmental Officers Harness Innovation and Teamwork for a Cleaner Future
At its 2025 annual retreat in Akure, the Ondo State Waste Management Authority (OSWMA) called on environmental health officers in all 18 Local Government Areas to intensify their sanitation efforts and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment.
Chairman of OSWMA, Mrs. Olayinka Alabi, emphasized the importance of being visible and proactive in addressing sanitation gaps. “You must be active to the point that any existing gaps will be recognised,” she stated, adding that the retreat will review staff performance, recognize outstanding contributions, and map out strategies for the year ahead. She also praised Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support of the Authority.
The initiative received broad backing from key state agencies. Mr. Olumide Kinga, Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, stressed the need to embrace technology for efficient waste management—especially important given the recent challenges posed by 353 reported Lassa fever cases. Meanwhile, Acting Statistician-General Mr. Olusola Ajayi confirmed that the Bureau of Statistics is ready to collaborate on establishing a sustainable waste management system, noting that although 54.8% of the population uses improved sanitation facilities, more dedication is needed to fully safeguard public health.
Representing the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA), Mrs. Funke Adeoye described the retreat as an invaluable platform for strategic planning and collaboration, pledging her agency’s support in developing innovative policies and programmes that promote recycling and environmental sustainability. Resource person Amaefule Timothy, in his lecture “Tapping into IT and Data to Improve Waste Management in Ondo State,” urged officials to integrate technology into daily operations. In a complementary session, Dr. Adeola Alonge stressed the importance of public–private partnerships and community engagement to transform OSWMA into a revenue-generating agency, ensuring long-term success in waste management.
