Waste To Wealth: Oyo Govt Educates Youths On Recycling

In a move to inspire a more responsible citizenry on sustainability practices, the Oyo State Government, has appealed to Youths in the State to venture into recycling of plastics and wastes.

Speaking on a bi-weekly programme, ‘Head of Service Speaks’ on the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism online radio, Aloore, on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Modupe Adeleye, said schools could tap into the State Government’s Waste to Wealth initiative, by engaging and educating children on the advantages of plastic recycling.

Adeleye said, the Oyo State Government approved Waste Management Consultant, Mottainai Recycling Ltd. has deployed a holistic approach towards reducing waste, promoting sustainability and creating better communities.

She therefore charged residents to take advantage of the benefits inherent in waste recycling.

Mrs. Adeleye who explained that all homes churn out large amounts of industrial wastes, through the use of plastics, paper, nylons, added that if well harnessed these could turn into wealth.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized that the Ministry, had since 2021, in conjunction with relevant bodies, embarked on a pilot program, on ways to separate and preserve waste products.

She noted that the Ministry had recently taken the awareness campaign to some major markets in the State, especially, the new Gbagi Market in Ibadan, where Mottainai Recycling Ltd. addressed the traders.

She maintained that waste is wealth.

Mrs. Adeleye enjoined youth and the entire populace to consult the Ministry on way forward to harnessing the opportunity.

In another dimension, Mrs. Adeleye described the recent steps of the State government on ban on street trading, as grace saving for the masses.

In her explanation, the action taken so far is to save marketers and passersby from untimely death and injuries.

She reiterated that the government is keen about the well-being of the people of Oyo, urging marketers to comply with the government directive by maintaining their various shops.