Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and its sister agencies—the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) and the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA).
She emphasized that working together more effectively would improve policy implementation and ensure that environmental policies align with national and global sustainability goals.
Speaking at the 2025 Management Retreat organized by the Ministry of Environment in Abeokuta, with the theme “Streamlining Policy Implementation Objectives and Goals in Environmental Governance,” she described the retreat as a platform to assess progress, identify challenges, and develop innovative solutions to tackle environmental issues.
She urged participants to use the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to excellence, accountability, and sustainability.
“This retreat is not just a gathering; it is a call to greater commitment and innovation. We must critically assess our progress, find areas for improvement, and ensure that environmental governance in Ogun State remains effective and impactful,” she stated.
The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Mr. Jola Oyeneye, charged the Ministry’s management and staff to remain dedicated to environmental safety and public service.
He pointed out that Governor Dapo Abiodun has done a lot to improve the civil service, adding, “Much is expected from us in return. We must continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of the people through proactive environmental policies.”
During his lecture on “PSR Talk: Relevance of Public Service Rules (PSR) to Environmental Governance,” Onasanya advised civil servants to familiarize themselves with the Public Service Rules to ensure they operate smoothly and avoid unnecessary infractions.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, commended the Ministry’s achievements and revealed that OGEPA recorded a 75% success rate in industry and facility compliance within the state.
He also noted that the agency generated 110% of its projected revenue in 2004, compared to 84% in 2023, but expressed confidence that with determination, the Ministry and its agencies would surpass previous records in 2025.
He assured that they would maintain sustainable initiatives, prevent pollution, and conduct regular environmental monitoring throughout the year.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Sam Oyeleye, stressed the importance of safely handling and disposing of hazardous materials.
He added that the Ministry would collaborate with GIZ, NESREA, UNIDO, and other partners to strengthen environmental governance and ensure policies are well implemented.
Special Advisers to the Governor, Hon. Faruk Akintunde (OGEPA), Hon. Abayomi Hunye (OGWAMA), and Prince Femi Akinwunmi (Flood and Erosion Control), praised Governor Abiodun for his dedication to keeping Ogun State at the forefront of environmental governance.
They revealed that the Ministry, in partnership with Wecyclers Organisation, was set to expand recycling initiatives, which would create jobs and boost the state’s revenue.
Speaking at the retreat, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Professor Dele Odunlami, explained that the Ministry and its agencies are responsible for policy formulation and enforcement, waste management, ecological control, environmental protection, and disaster response.
He highlighted major environmental challenges in Ogun State, including climate change, pollution, waste disposal, deforestation, poor sanitation, and flooding.
He stressed the need to establish a Rapid Response Squad and collaborate with relevant agencies to implement preventive measures against environmental disasters.
The retreat served as an opportunity for stakeholders to review strategies for improving environmental governance in Ogun State, with a focus on inter-agency cooperation and sustainable policies.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to making the state a model for environmental safety and management.
