By Bose Adelaja
CITIZENS COMPASS – THE Oyo State Environmental Task Force says it has arrested no fewer than 4,000 environmental offenders since its inception till date.
The Task Force Chairman, DCP Ojomo Francis said the figure was contained in a statistics.
The DCP who spoke in Ibadan, on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, said some of the offenders were committed to community service after trial, while others paid fines.
In the period under review, DCP Ojomo revealed that over N30 million has been paid as fine by various offenders into the coffers of Oyo State Government.
Ojomo, who is also the Waste Enforcement Officer urged the public to obey environmental laws of the State.
He said this will sustain the healthiness and good neighborliness in the society, adding that Item 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations places a premium on sanitation and sustainable environment.
Ojomo appealed to Nigerians, especially residents of Oyo State to pay attention to cleaning their environment, as the Taskforce is watching everyone.
The DCP also reiterated the commitment of the Oyo State Government towards ensuring a healthy and safe environment.
According to Ojomo, “This is not the first time we appeal to members of the public to obey our environmental laws, so that we will have sustained peace and health in our society.
“Item 11, of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations places a premium on sanitation and sustainable environment. We do not need to attend any formal school to take care of our environment in our own interest”, he added.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Environmental Protection Tribunal, sitting in Ibadan on Wednesday, convicted five offenders for violating environmental laws in the state.
The Chairman of the Tribunal, Mr. Jubreel Kareem, while speaking with journalists, disclosed that during monitoring in Ibadan, the five offenders were arrested.
He said two of the offenders, Olanrewaju Deola and Funmilayo Ayoola were found disposing wastes illegally at unauthorized places, they also failed to provide a standard refuse drum contrary to Oyo State Environmental Laws, 2013.
The persons admitted to have committed the offences and were convicted to three months of imprisonment or an option of fines of N5, 000 and N2, 500, each.
Another offender, Olabisi Olatunde who was caught at Preboyes, along UI-Bodija dumping refuse on the median pleaded guilty. The tribunal thereafter fined her N7, 500.
In the same vein, John Blessing and Ali Sumaiya were caught illegally displaying goods by road side at Mokola.
The Tribunal ruled that this is against Section 2 sub-section 14 of the Oyo State Waste Management Law of 2014 and thereafter fined them 2, 500 each.
The head of the Tribunal further warned the offenders not to violate environmental laws of the State henceforth, saying this will serve as a lesson to them and others.
