Oyo State Government is working in collaboration with its solid waste management consultant, Mottainai Recycling Ltd., to set up mini recycling hubs across the state.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, quoted the firm saying that Oja Anajeere and Academy Market, Ibadan are some of the pilot locations.
It said that the private firm’s chief executive, Mr. Adey Adewuyi stated this on Monday September 19, adding that this will promote waste as a valuable currency for social good and economic inclusion.
The firm stressed that the hubs will increase awareness on waste challenges and solutions in Ibadan, assuring that the recycling hubs will encourage residents to adopt the habit of recycling and turning their waste into wealth.
It recalled that in commemoration of World Clean-up Day 2022, Mottainai Recycling Limited carried out the first state-wide clean up exercise in Ibadan, recovering over 5,170 kilograms of plastics and over 1,100 kilograms of cartons during the exercise.
According to the statement: “The clean-up exercise, first of its kind in Oyo State promoted sensitization and awareness at large on how a waste-free environment can maximize sales, prevent outbreak of diseases, foster good health practices and in turn generate wealth at Oja Anajere, Academy community market, at Iwo road.”
It said that the firm’s boss explained that the initiative was borne out of the need to ensure that Oyo state is clean and people inculcate better lifestyle changes towards the environment because waste management is a collective responsibility.
The statement described the move as part of Oyo State Government’s efforts to change the trajectory of sustainable waste management practices in the state.
It said: “Explaining the significance of the recycling exercise, Adewuyi stated that this would create a mind-shift as individuals are able to sort their waste, “because they see value in it and this will surely change the dynamics for Recycling Structure in Oyo State, hence the introduction ‘Recyclables for Reward’ where participants were given instant rewards for recyclables such as PET and plastics and cartons.”
Highlight of the event was the “Recyclables for Rewards Raffle Draw” from which a thrift ware vendor in the market, Mrs Oguntade Nofisat, walked away with the grand prize of a parcel of land.
