UNICEF

  The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has reaffirmed its commitment to making environmental protection a cornerstone of sustainable development in the state. This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barrister Seun Ashamu, during the commemoration of the 2025 World Clean-Up Day held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan. The event, themed “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste through Circular Fashion,” was organized by the Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF. Barrister Ashamu described the global celebration as a reflection of humanity’s collective determination to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet. He emphasized the need to sensitize residents of Oyo State on reducing textile waste through reuse and recycling. He said “We can repurpose and reuse textiles in creative ways that reduce the volume of waste generated in our society “Everyone must treat the environment with the same care and respect we give to our bodies and homes. The government encourages residents to do the right thing and will not hesitate to sanction those who pollute the environment.” He noted that World Clean-Up Day, recognized annually on September 20 by the United Nations General Assembly, underscores the fact that environmental cleanliness and sustainability are shared global responsibilities. Highlighting the dangers of textile pollution, Ashamu pointed out that while the global fashion industry drives economic growth and creativity, it remains one of the world’s most polluting sectors. “The fashion industry contributes about 10 percent of global carbon emissions and nearly 20 percent of wastewater production. Every second, one truckload of textiles is either burned or dumped in landfills, releasing microplastics and toxic chemicals into our environment,” he lamented. Ashamu stressed that under the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, Oyo State has made significant progress in improving waste collection and disposal systems, strengthening public-private partnerships, and enforcing environmental sanitation laws. He added that the Ministry has intensified community engagement and environmental education to promote active citizen participation. In his goodwill message, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Ecology, and Water Resources, commended the Ministry for its consistent efforts in promoting environmental health and sustainability. “A clean environment goes beyond what we see; it includes how well our surroundings support healthy living and sustainable development,” he said, pledging continued legislative support for environmental initiatives in the state. Also speaking, UNICEF WASH Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson, linked textile waste to rising environmental pollution and urged responsible consumption. According to him, “Fast fashion contributes massively to waste. Many items are worn once and discarded. We must rethink our habits to protect our planet,” he advised, warning against the indiscriminate burning of textile waste, which releases harmful emissions. The event featured expert lectures, including Dr. Femi Balogun of the University of Ibadan (represented by Dr. Debra Adeyemo) who spoke on “Tackling Textile Waste through Circular Economy,” and Sanitarian Tijani A. Adegoke, President, Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter), who presented on “Zero Waste Practices: Leave No Waste Behind.” Key stakeholders from ministries, agencies, market associations, youth groups, NGOs, and waste management firms attended the event, pledging their commitment to a cleaner and greener Oyo State. In the same development, the Oyo State Government held a sweeping and sensitization exercise at Oja-Oba Market, Ibadan, aimed at promoting hygiene and environmental awareness. Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni (mni), represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Mr. Olusola Ojelabi, said the exercise is designed to educate traders and residents on the importance of maintaining a clean environment. In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, explained that the exercise is part of the broader campaign to instill hygiene consciousness in citizens. He noted that Oja-Oba was strategically chosen as both a commercial and cultural hub of Ibadan, urging market men and women to lead by example in maintaining cleanliness. Dr. Ojelabi revealed that Oyo State has improved its ranking on the Sub-National Climate Governance Index from 34th in 2024 to 7th in 2025, a feat he credited to Governor Makinde’s environmental reforms. Market leaders, including Alhaja Sikiratu Adebayo Tantoloun (Iyaloja, Bodija Market), Alhaja Ramota (Iyaloja, Eleyele Market), and Prince Akanni Ojo, representative of the Babaloja-General, commended the government’s initiatives and urged traders to embrace recycling opportunities. “Waste has become wealth globally,” they noted, “and Oyo traders must key into this new economy.”