Ekiti waste management agency raises taskforce against illegal waste disposal

By Abbas Nazil
The Ekiti State Waste Management Agency has launched a special task force to curb the persistent problem of illegal waste disposal in unauthorized locations across the state.
The agency’s Director General, Sukanmi Onipede, made this announcement in Ado Ekiti, stressing that despite the availability of designated waste bins, some residents continue to dispose of their refuse indiscriminately, particularly in the state capital.
Onipede reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment, stating that he would not stand by while a few individuals undermine the efforts to keep Ekiti clean.
To tackle this challenge, the newly established task force will identify and apprehend offenders who dump waste in prohibited areas, with the goal of ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
The task force will focus on several major areas that have been identified as hotspots for illegal dumping, including Adebayo to Bawa, Ijigbo to Ajebandele, Okeyimi, Basiri, and various other streets.
These locations have been persistently affected by residents who ignore waste disposal guidelines, leading to environmental degradation and health risks.
Beyond enforcing proper waste disposal, the agency will also monitor the activities of scavengers in the state.
Onipede noted that while many scavengers engage in legitimate work, some individuals use the trade as a cover for criminal activities.
The task force is to identify and remove such elements from the system to maintain public safety.
The Director General urged residents to be more responsible in their waste disposal habits and to remain security-conscious.
He emphasized that the success of the initiative depends on public cooperation, warning that violators will face strict penalties.
The agency remains determined to create a cleaner and more sustainable Ekiti for all.