Ogun recruits 3,000 environmental marshals

Ogun State government has approved the recruitment of 3,000 environmental marshals to improve the environmental compliance by residents.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun who disclosed this while declaring open the 2014 World Environmental Day in Abeokuta, said the state will no longer tolerate acts capable of abusing the environment.

He disclosed that his administration will soon launch the black bag that will discourage residents from indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the road.

The government, he added, has also approved N1 billion for the procurement of equipment.

Amosun cautioned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the road median and drainages. He warned that environmental marshals will now ensure the implementation of the environmental law.

On the new shopping mall, he said the government will ban road side trading after the completion of the shops.

The governor appealed to residents to take advantage of the massive investment of his administration in the provision of water infrastructure, adding that he ordered the disconnection of some of the pipeline water besides the road because of failure of many residents to connect with the pipeline close to their residence.

Addressing the gathering at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Prof. Bamidele Badejo advised Governor Amosun to address the challenges associated with urbanisation by incorporating green environment into it’s rebuilding agenda.

Badejo asked the government to always consider environmental approaches in the implementation of its policies. He said the achievements of the present administration will be counter-productive and undermined, if particular attention is not given to the environment.

Badejo, who is also the Dean of Faculty, Social and Management Science Department, Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU, Ago-
Iwoye, called for attitudinal changes from stakeholders in the management of the environment.

He asked politicians and philanthropists in the state to discourage the donation of motorcycles as empowerment items to people due to its gross implication in polluting the environment.

The event was attended by the Deputy governor, Prince Segun Adesegun; Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Prince Suraj Adekunmbi; Secretary to the State government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa; Chief of Staff, Prof. Ganiyu Ogunnaike; Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle; Commissioner for the Environment, Engr. Ayo Olubori and others.