IBADAN: The Oyo State Government has issued a stern warning to residents and stakeholders in the Sabo community and its environs to stop dumping refuse and waste on median roads or face legal action.

Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, announced this during an environmental advocacy program titled “Operation Keep Sabo Clean”, held in the Sabo area of Ibadan.

Mogbonjubola emphasized the urgent need to tackle the menace of indiscriminate waste disposal, which poses serious health risks. “Dumping waste on median roads is a major issue. We have successfully tackled this problem in most parts of Ibadan, but Sabo has remained a challenge,” he said.

He recalled a crucial meeting with the Sabo Council of Elders, which changed his perception of the community’s commitment to cleanliness. “After several discussions, we launched ‘Operation Keep Sabo Clean: Together Green’ to drive this initiative forward,” he explained.

The commissioner noted that waste management is not free anywhere in the world, urging residents to comply with proper disposal practices. He revealed that designated waste consultants serve Ibadan North and that two large skip bins have been provided to ease waste collection in Sabo.

“Our sweepers will monitor the bins, and once they are full, collection will be arranged immediately,” he assured. He also warned that anyone caught dumping waste illegally would face arrest and prosecution, stressing that “a clean nation is a wealthy nation.”

Representing the Seriki Hausawa of Ibadan, Alhaji Dikko Mohammed commended the state government for its efforts in promoting environmental sanitation. He pledged the community’s full cooperation in ensuring a cleaner Sabo.

Malam Mamman, the chairman of the event, described the initiative as historic, applauding the commissioner for engaging various stakeholders, including six youth groups, to develop a sustainable sanitation plan.

https://independent.ng/oyo-declares-war-against-illegal-waste-dumping-in-sabo-vows-to-prosecute-offenders/