The Oyo State Environmental Task Force has arrested no fewer than 4,000 Environmental offenders since its creation till date, statistics made available by its Chairman, DCP Ojomo Francis has revealed.
According to Ojomo, who spoke in Ibadan today said some were committed to community service after trial, while others paid fines.
Urging the public to obey the environmental laws of the state, Ojomo, who is also the Waste Enforcement Officer, revealed that in the period under review, over N30 million has been paid as fines by various offenders into the coffers of the Oyo State Government.
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 a 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.
He said, “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 a sustainable environment. We do not need to attend any formal school to take care of our environment in our interest.”
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Environmental Protection Tribunal, sitting in Ibadan today convicted five offenders for violating environmental laws in the state.
The Chairman of the Tribunal, Jubreel Kareem, while speaking with journalists, revealed that the five offenders were arrested during monitoring in Ibadan.
He said two of the offenders, Olanrewaju Deola and Funmilayo Ayoola were found disposing of 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-month imprisonment or an option of fines of N5000, N2500, and N2500, 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 2500 each.
The head of the Tribunal further warned the offenders not to violate environmental laws of the State henceforth, saying this would serve as a lesson to them and others.
