By Adeyinka Adeniran
A Non-governmental organization, For Nature and Future Eco-Green Initiative, has partnered the Oyo State government in a move to put an end to plastic pollution in the state.
The partnership has also led to the unveiling of Oyo Plastic Drive which is aimed at exchanging plastic for food items across the 33 local governments in the state.
The initiative is to start its pilot scheme with six local governments including: Lagelu, Akinyele, Ona-Ara, Ido, Egbeda and Oluyole.
Speaking during an event organized in commemoration of the World Environment Day, 2025, Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Temilolu Ashamu commended the organisation, For Nature and Future Eco-Green Initiative for its commitment to seeing Oyo State free of plastic pollution through its initiative project ‘Oyo Plastic Drive’.
He noted that the World Environment Day is a United Nation platform for encouraging global awareness and action to protect the environment and to also reminds everyone including governments, private institutions, civic societies and citizens, of the shared responsibility to safeguard the planet for current and future generations.
Ashamu further noted that this year’s theme which bothers on plastic pollution, calls for urgent attention to one of the most pervasive and damaging form of environmental degradation of this time.
He stressed that plastic have become omnipresent across the globe – from markets places, to homes, to the waterbodies and even the food chain, adding that Nigeria, like many other country is grappling with the socioenvironmental consequences of plastic waste including flooding, health hazards and marine pollution.
The commissioner said Nigeria generates over 2.5million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with less than 15 percent effectively being recycled adding that, the reality of this is very visible even in Oyo State.
He however professed that the state is not powerless in the face of the harsh reality as the ministry of environment is taking deliberate steps to address plastic pollution using a multi stakeholder approach.
He revealed that Oyo Plastic Drive is one of such approach in partnership with For Nature and Future Eco-Green Initiative to promote awareness, incentivise plastic collection and collaboration with industries, and also review waste management policies to encourage the transition from linear to circular waste economy.
He further revealed that the ministry is integrating environmental education into public engagement programmes and strengthening enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal through the activities of the environmental health officers.
He also emphasized behavioural change especially among markets stakeholders as a key to building a more responsible and sustainable society.
He urged Nigerians especially youths to take plastic pollution as a menace to combat while also expressing optimism that with the cooperation of everyone and a resilient spirit, Oyo State can have a clean environment, create jobs, robust economy and preserve that ecosystem that sustains everyone.
Unveiling the Oyo Plastic Drive, Ashamu urged everyone to make use of this year’s World Environment Day to reflect on and renew their collective commitment to the health and sustainability of the planet.
He noted that the Oyo Plastic Drive is aimed at addressing plastic waste at the grassroot level, and increasing sustainable practices aimed at reducing plastic pollution.
The Drive which would be launched in six Local Government areas – Ona-Ara, Ido, Lagelu Akinyele, Oluyole and Egbeda – where it is expected to serve as pilot test for plastic waste reduction efforts, while setting the stage for broader implantation across the state.
