Oyo govt flags off waste segregation, distributes bins to MDAs

… As agency resolves noise pollution case in Okeho

The Oyo State Government has flagged off the first phase of waste segregation across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), with the distribution of designated bins at the State Secretariat, Ibadan.

This is as the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with the Pollution Monitoring and Quality Control Department of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has successfully intervened in a long-standing noise pollution complaint in Okeho.

However, the segregation initiative, led by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, is part of broader efforts to promote proper waste management and environmental sustainability in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, said the bins are clearly labelled to support effective waste sorting.

According to him, each set contains separate containers for plastics and bottles, paper materials, and biodegradable waste, a move designed to ease recycling and improve collection efficiency.

Aderinto noted that the programme represents a major step towards institutionalising environmental best practices within government establishments, adding that MDAs must lead by example through strict adherence to proper waste disposal methods.

He added that the Ministry would strengthen monitoring and enforcement to ensure full compliance with the waste segregation policy.

At the Governor’s Office, Musibau Babatunde, professor and the Secretary to the State Government, commended the initiative and urged sustained advocacy towards achieving a cleaner and healthier Oyo State.

Also receiving the bins,Olubunmi Oni, the Head of Service praised the Ministry’s efforts and called for strict compliance with proper waste management practices across all MDAs.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to policies and programmes aimed at protecting the environment and improving residents’ quality of life.

Meanwhile, OYRLEA who intervened in Okeho noise pollution case which had remained unresolved for several months, was brought forward by Adelere Fatai Adebayo, who petitioned the Authority over excessive noise and harmful emissions from a hotel generating set installed in close proximity to his residence.

In response, OYRLEA officials carried out an enforcement visit on Tuesday. 5th May, 2026 on the site, where on-the-spot measurements were conducted using standard scientific equipment to assess both the noise levels and the distance between the generator and the petitioner’s residence.

Arise Babatunde, the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), confirmed that the noise readings recorded during the inspection exceeded the permissible limits set by environmental standards, thereby validating the petitioner’s complaint.

Following the findings,Peter Damilare, the hotel manager was immediately directed to relocate the generating set to a more suitable and compliant location away from residential buildings.

OYRLEA also advised the petitioner to report any further non-compliance, stressing that sanctions and possible arrest will follow should the hotel fail to adhere to the directive.

Speaking after the intervention, Aderonke A. Aderemi, retired judge and the Chairperson, OYRLEA, reiterated the Authority’s unwavering commitment to addressing environmental violations across the State and to protecting residents from prolonged exposure to public health hazards such as noise pollution and toxic emissions.

‘Environmental protection is not optional. OYRLEA will continue to enforce compliance to ensure that citizens live and work in a safe, peaceful and healthy environment’, she stated.

This action underscores OYRLEA’s mandate to uphold the rule of law and safeguard public health in Oyo State.