Streets environmental offenders in ogun state to be sentence to community service
The Ogun State Government has declared that residents caught dumping refuse on roads will henceforth be arrested, corrected with compassion, and assigned community service as punishment.
Penpushing reports that Commissioner for Environment Ola Oresanya made the declaration while briefing members of the Governor’s Elders Advisory Council during their fourth quarterly meeting held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The Commissioner stressed that the law forbids dumping refuse on roadways, pointing out that streets are not designated as dump sites, and explained that residents are expected to place their refuse in front of their homes for Private Sector Participants (PSPs) to collect directly at their doorsteps.
Penpushing further reports that he disclosed that the state government is refining its enforcement strategy by shifting away from monetary fines to reduce financial pressure on citizens.
The Commissioner emphasized that instead, offenders will be required to undertake community service, stating that the Governor remains deeply concerned about environmental management in the state and is investing significantly in new equipment to strengthen the Ministry of Environment’s operations.
“Under no condition should you dump refuse on the road. OGWAMA has the authority to arrest offenders, and those arrested will do community service. We will correct in love. You will sweep the road and collect refuse. When people see you doing that, they will understand the consequences, and you won’t return to the same habit,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that he added that the Governor has approved the procurement of brand-new trucks both for OGWAMA and the private waste sector to improve waste management across the state.
The Commissioner addressing the issue of noise pollution, disclosed that the ministry has shut several religious centres and other facilities found to be violating noise regulations, and encouraged residents to report such disturbances through the ministry’s dedicated helpline: 09010480056.
Penpushing reports that Oresanya emphasized that sanitation should be a daily responsibility rather than a once-a-month ritual, pointing out that Section 6 of the Constitution empowers Local Government Health Officers to inspect homes, ensure bins are not overflowing, and prosecute erring households.
The Commissioner in addition, stated that safety consultants from the ministry are inspecting gas plants across the state to ensure compliance with safety standards, with substandard facilities set to be shut down soon.
Penpushing further reports that Chairman of the Governor’s Elders Advisory Council, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, applauded the state government’s efforts in waste management and agricultural development.
The chairman equally described the 2026 Budget of Sustainable Legacy, recently presented by Governor Abiodun, as a well-structured roadmap for a prosperous new year.
Penpushing also reports that another elder, Chief (Mrs) Iyabo Apampa in her remarks commended the ministry’s recent intervention in Ogijo, and urged the commissioner to equally address air pollution and indiscriminate parking of trailers around Ibese and Papalanto where cement factories operate.
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