By Abdullahi Lukman
The Ekiti State House of Assembly is set to pass a bill banning single-use plastics aimed at tackling environmental issues such as flooding and plastic pollution across the state.
Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye announced the development during a pre-legislative stakeholders’ workshop on plastic pollution, organised by the Triple Green Environmental Development (TGED) Foundation in partnership with the Assembly’s Environment Committee.
He revealed that the bill has already passed its first reading and pledged to fast-track its hearing for swift governor’s assent.
Aribasoye expressed hope that the legislation would significantly reduce pollution caused by indiscriminate plastic waste disposal.
Seyi Ebenezer, CEO of TGED Foundation, emphasised the urgent need to address plastic pollution and urged stakeholders to discourage single-use plastic in their communities by adopting sustainable waste management alternatives.
Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Iyabode Fakunle-Okeimen, underscored the importance of the ban in protecting Ekiti’s environment.
At the event, Professor Wole Adebayo of Ekiti State University presented on the environmental, health, and economic impacts of plastic pollution.
He also highlighted the potential of recycling used plastics into valuable products, encouraging a shift towards waste-to-wealth initiatives.
Supporting the initiative, Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General of the Ekiti State Tourism Board, warned of health risks linked to single-use plastics and endorsed the proposed ban.
The stakeholders, comprising market women, artisans, hoteliers, plastic manufacturers, students, and environmentalists, agreed on the necessity of proper plastic waste disposal to prevent drain blockage and flooding.
They further urged the government to support recycling efforts by purchasing used plastics from residents, turning waste into wealth while protecting the environment.