By: Oluwatosin Adesola
The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAN) has inaugurated its Ondo state chapter executives with a call on them to maintain ethics of the environmental regulations.
While inaugurating the state executives in Akure, the state capital, the National President of AWAN, David Oluwasegun Oriyomi, also urged state governors not to politicise solid waste management.
He enjoined them to create an enabling environment for the growth of the sector and enhancement of aesthetics sensibilities.
Oriyomi described solid waste management as capital intensive that required support of financial institutions.
The President tasked all state chapters to organise training, seminars on solid waste management with a view to expand horizon of the operators in the sector.
Oriyomi stated that the body was already partnering with financial institutions for the purpose of acquiring equipments for its members for the purpose of maintaining a clean environment.
He urged the Ondo chapter to work with relevant agencies in the state for a clean environment.
The AWAN President called for increased budgetary allocation to the environment sector to prevent spread of disease through a clean environment.
On his part, the new Chairman Association Of Waste Management Of Nigeria Ondo State Chapter, Elder Wahaab Olokungboye who promised to ensure professionalism in their operations, cautioned the Ondo State Government not to toy with activities of waste managers in the state.
Olokungboye said waste managers in Ondo State should be carried along in any government policy for the state to be kept clean.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who spoke through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Engr. Henry Adeniyi, said his policies were being worked on to ensure waste collectors get more facilities to boost their business.
Akeredolu stated that state government could also guarantee loan for waste collectors to support them.
He urged them to present workable ideas on how to support them and manage waste in the state.