Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke
By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
Osun State Government has inaugurated a Special Task Force on Environment to strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws and sustain a clean, healthy and habitable environment across the state.
It is chaired by the Head of Service, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina, while the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mr Mayowa Adejoorin, will serve as co-chairman.
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the task force had been mandated to tackle environmental infractions across the state.
According to him, the task force will particularly focus on indiscriminate disposal of refuse in drains, roadsides, road medians and other locations capable of constituting environmental nuisances and hazards.
The government expressed concern over the manner in which some residents litter public spaces with dirt and debris, warning that such practices could pose serious environmental and public health risks.
Alimi said the task force was expected to ensure that environmental laws were effectively enforced, while directing its members to carry out their duties diligently and in accordance with the law.
The government warned that persons found culpable of violating environmental laws would be prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the law.
It also charged members of the task force to observe due process and ensure that all enforcement activities were conducted within the framework of existing laws.
Other members of the task force are the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, Alhaji Muniru Raji; General Manager of the Osun State Waste Management Agency (OWMA), Mr Oyewole Fatai Oladosu; and Mr K.K. Oyelami.
The Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, Hon. Omoyele Isaac Adekunle; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs) Ayobola Fadeyi Awolowo; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Market Affairs, Mrs Eniola Omotoso, are also members of the task force.
The task force is expected to commence operations immediately.
Alimi, who signed the statement, said the initiative was part of the state government’s efforts to improve environmental cleanliness and ensure compliance with environmental regulations across Osun State.
