Ogun leads in turning 'Waste to Wealth' initiative

...recycles over 1500 tons of plastics daily

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ola Oresanya has disclosed that the gateway state is the leading state in the waste to wealth initiative adding that the state recycles over 1500 tons of plastic daily. 

Dr. Oresanya made this known while addressing Journalists at the monthly Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information chapel held at Olusegun Osoba Press Center, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Commissioner said turning waste to wealth was beneficial to individuals, the society and government, explaining that many lack the knowledge about investment in recycling business thereby posing a challenge.

He encouraged all to consider the idea of converting waste to wealth, saying the Extended Producer Regulation (EPR) made provisions for consumers to gather plastic wastes of used products and present them in exchange for benefits from the production company.

Dr. Oresanya added that, the Ministry of Environment would soon organise a skill acquisition programme where citizens would be trained on how to produce gas using waste from the septic tanks of various homes. 

In his welcome address, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information Chapel, Comrade Femi Osipitan appreciated the support of members for consistently demonstrating commitment to responsible journalism and environmental reporting, urging all to continue to work together, sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources to promote sustainable development in the State.

The Chapel Chairman commended Dr. Oresanya and the Ministry of Environment for their tireless efforts in promoting environmental stewardship, promising that as journalists, "we will continue to amplify these efforts, promote awareness and encourage investment in the recycling sector.

OGSG Pledges Revitalization of the Water Sector

As part of ongoing efforts to revamp the water sector across Ogun State, the Ogun State Water Corporation team has embarked on another significant infrastructural assessment tour. This recent inspection covered Remo, Odogbolu, and surrounding areas, focusing on addressing critical water management challenges, replacing outdated infrastructure, and overcoming funding and logistical constraints.

The inspection team was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, who reaffirmed that revitalizing the water infrastructure remains a top priority for Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration. She expressed optimism that the government’s renewed focus on the sector would help resolve longstanding issues and improve water supply across the state.

 “Many of our water infrastructure facilities are not functioning optimally, and there are concerns regarding the inadequate utilization of available funding. This is a major challenge, and there is a lot of work to be done. We must act swiftly to rehabilitate critical water infrastructure to provide clean and potable water to the people of Ogun State.

 “We urge His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, to support us in expanding water supply to more communities, as access to clean water is a fundamental necessity that requires urgent attention.

 “I am confident that this administration, under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun, will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that residents have regular access to clean and potable water,” she stated.

Hon. Otubanjo further assured the public that, with a team of experts working alongside her, the state should expect significant improvements in the water sector. She emphasized that her team remains committed to identifying and resolving challenges within the sector.

 “This facility tour is part of our strategy to tackle the growing complexities of water management. We are confident in our ability to rehabilitate infrastructure, implement lasting solutions, enhance operations, and meet the water supply needs of Ogun State residents.”

Also speaking, Alhaja Muinat Jaji, the Consultant to the Governor on Water, reassured residents that they can expect an improved and more efficient water supply. She highlighted that the facility assessment also focuses on aging equipment, which the state government has pledged to rehabilitate.

 “We have observed that some equipment in various water schemes require urgent rehabilitation and upgrades. Additionally, pipeline networks need to be improved to enhance operations and extend services to underserved communities. The state government remains committed to ensuring the availability of clean and safe water for all residents,” she stated.

She said Ogun State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to revitalizing the water sector and ensuring that residents have access to reliable and sustainable water supply.

Water Schemes Inspected include,

 • Ogere Water Surface Scheme- servicing Ogere, Iperu, Ilisan, Irolu, Ipara, Iperu Borstal Institution, Akaka Mini Scheme – covering Akaka and Ilara, Ilisan Borehole Scheme, Ikene Borehole Scheme,Odogbolu Reservoir, Ayepe-Ijebu Reservoir and Sagamu Scheme.

OGUN BOOSTS ECONOMIC GROWTH WITH PROJECTS

In a bid to enhance economic growth and development, Ogun State has initiated a project focused on land use, land cover, mapping, and Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI), towards providing accurate and robust geographical information systems for the State.

The Special Adviser/Director General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Arch. Segun Fowora, made this known at a meeting in preparation to kick-off the project at the Conference Room, Ministry of Finance, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning TPL. Tunji Odunlami, the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) team, and Sivans Design, the consultancy team engaged by the World Bank.

The D.G emphasised that, the development of land use, land cover, mapping, and SDI was a crucial component for the project, saying that SDI would enable the aggregation of varied geo spatial information about property in the State, creating interoperability between organisations and stakeholders to facilitate the creation of land ownership records, leading to more efficient land administration in the State.

In his presentation, the Chief Consulting Officer, Sivan Design, Mr. Shalam Sivan, analysed the scope, objectives, and duration of the project, explaining the importance of the kick-off meeting, in orienting stakeholders on the project's goals, within the time frame of the project and to expedite action on the project delivery,

Earlier, the Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosun Odunsi noted that the consultancy services would aid in identifying key areas for mapping in the State, adding that the Ogun State Land Administration System (OLARMS) is been upgraded and enhanced through OGSTEP to support the project's objectives.

OGSG REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO REFORM TECHNICAL COLLEGES

In line with the ISEYA mantra of the State Government which represents the core values and principles of Prince Dapo Abiodun’s Led-Administration, the Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reforming 8 Government Technical Colleges (GTC) spread across the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

 Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, TPL. Tunji Odunlami, made this known during a facility inspection with the Special Adviser/Director General Bureau of Lands and Survey, Arch. Segun Fowora, who doubles as a Member of the Executive Board Council, at the ongoing rehabilitation of Government Technical College, llara, Remo North Local Government Area, saying that the project is being undertaken by Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) in collaboration with the World Bank.

He said the project cuts across the 3 Senatorial Districts including, Government Technical and Vocational College, Isabo, Technical College Idi Aba, Igbesa, Ijebu Igbo, Ayetoro and Ewekoro, among others.

TPL. Odunlami, commended the level and quality of work done, saying that the project would be delivered within the set timeline for academic activities.

          He emphasised the importance of vocational education, noting that the Government would continue to upgrade and give the colleges a facelift to attract students from all walks of life.

The Commissioner pointed out that, education represents one of the core pillars of ISEYA mantra, as Government would fashion out ways of making the colleges more functional in line with global best practices.

The Commissioner, while addressing the students of GTC Ilara Remo, charged them to remain focused and avoid all forms of distractions, assuring them that the State Government had invested significantly at ensuring they have a conducive learning environment.

Earlier, the Special Adviser/Director-General, Bureau of Lands and Survey commended the level and quality of work done, noting that similar initiatives were ongoing in other Local Government Areas of the State, assuring that once the projects were completed, the colleges would be equipped with laboratories, workshop and necessary equipment that would aid their learning process.   

The D.G appreciated the Governor for his unflinching support and commitment towards the education sector which was crucial for driving economic growth and development.

The Project Manager Skill and Development, Mr. Fatai Osunsanya, highlighted efforts of the government towards creating an enabling environment for learning skills and development, promising that the project would be delivered within the stipulated time.

In her remarks, Vice Principal, Administration, Mrs. Aderemi Abidemi, appreciated the State Government’s timely intervention for rehabilitating Government Technical Colleges across the state.