The Oyo State Government has dismissed reports alleging that it neglected the welfare and working conditions of members of the State Environmental Vanguard, assuring that the administration remains committed to their welfare and effective operation.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, stated this when the leadership of the Oyo State Environmental Vanguard paid a peace visit to his office following reports published by some blogs concerning the welfare of members of the group.
The visit, according to the ministry, was aimed at seeking an amicable resolution to the issue and appealing on behalf of unidentified members who were alleged to have engaged the bloggers over the matter.
During the meeting, the Vanguard leadership presented its concerns to the commissioner, leading to what the ministry described as a constructive discussion, mutual understanding and a commitment to maintaining peace and discipline within the ranks.
Aderinto expressed displeasure over what he described as misleading and unfounded reports suggesting that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources had neglected the welfare of Environmental Vanguards.
The commissioner said his office had always remained open to receiving complaints, concerns and genuine grievances from staff and members of the Vanguard.
He therefore expressed surprise that some unidentified members allegedly chose to approach bloggers instead of engaging the ministry directly for dialogue, clarification and resolution.
According to him, issues concerning the welfare and working conditions of members of the Vanguard could be addressed through appropriate institutional channels.
Speaking on behalf of the Environmental Vanguard leadership, Mr Owolabi Idris Bankole apologised to the commissioner and the ministry over the actions of the unidentified individuals who allegedly engaged bloggers on the matter.
Bankole assured the commissioner that such an incident would not be repeated, promising that the leadership and members of the Vanguard would henceforth conduct themselves responsibly, maintain discipline and channel grievances through the appropriate authorities.
The state government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, subsequently reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of the Environmental Vanguard and the effective operation of the ministry’s workforce.
The meeting ended with a commitment by both sides to maintain peace, discipline and constructive engagement in addressing issues concerning members of the Vanguard.
