…As Whistleblower Programme Offers Incentives for Verified Environmental Reports
The Oyo State Government has launched an environmental whistleblower programme aimed at tackling indiscriminate waste disposal and other environmental hazards across the state.
Speaking at the launch held at the Local Government Staff Training School, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, said the initiative would empower residents to report environmental violations while receiving rewards for verified reports.
The governor noted that the state government had implemented several environmental management initiatives, including the procurement of waste trucks and the development of structured waste disposal systems.
However, he lamented that some residents continue to engage in indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blockage of waterways, and illegal construction on drainage paths.
“To address these challenges, we have introduced a whistleblower programme where citizens can report environmental hazards through multiple platforms, including WhatsApp, telephone lines, and dedicated mobile applications,” he said.
According to him, the system is designed for real-time response, with reports instantly transmitted to relevant authorities for swift action, eliminating bureaucratic delays traditionally associated with written complaints to ministries.
Also speaking, the State Lead Consultant on Informal Sector, Mr. Olabode Ajetunmobi, described the operational framework as simple and citizen-driven.
“You see something, you say something,” Ajetunmobi stated.
He explained that the programme would operate through two major channels: dedicated enforcement personnel who will monitor illegal waste disposal activities, and voluntary citizen participation through digital reporting platforms.
Expressing confidence in the state’s technological infrastructure, Ajetunmobi said the platform has the capacity to handle large volumes of reports simultaneously.
He added that the initiative aligns with the state government’s ambition to make Oyo the cleanest state in Nigeria, drawing inspiration from Kigali, widely regarded as one of Africa’s cleanest cities.
“Oyo State is already making progress. Having ranked third in ease of doing business in Nigeria through a World Bank-supported project, we are determined to become number one in environmental cleanliness,” he said.
In his Goodwill message, The Chairman house Committee on Environment and Ecology, Cephas Olorunpoto commended the initiative, assured legislative backing to support executive power in the state to have a clean and healthy environment.
He encouraged the people of the state to engage the laid down platforms by the government to achieve the objective of a cleaner environment.
Earlier In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, emphasized that the programme goes beyond reporting environmental infractions.
“We are not just encouraging reporting; we are rewarding it,” Aderinto said. “We want residents to be the eyes of the Governor in their communities. This is about sanity, not just sanitation.”
He assured residents that all reports would be treated with strict confidentiality, protecting the identity of whistleblowers.
“We guarantee confidentiality. We want to encourage participation and assure residents that everyone who supports this initiative will be rewarded,” he added.
Aderinto urged citizens to join hands with the government to restore the state’s reputation as the “Pacesetter State,” stressing that environmental cleanliness would attract investments, create jobs, and enhance business opportunities.
He described the initiative as a win-win for both the government and the people, noting that collective action is essential to achieving a cleaner and more prosperous Oyo State.
The event attended by Chairman of Oyo State Rule of Law Agency, Rt Justice Aderonke Aderemi, Chairman Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, Major Adesagba Adekoya rtd, The Chairman Oyo State Solid Waste Agency, Hon. Waheed Adeniyi, Oyo State Market leaders, Traditional rulers and others
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