By Abbas Nazil
The Ogun State Government has called on residents and visitors to observe the Christmas and New Year celebrations in a clean, safe, and healthy environment across the state.
The appeal was made by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, in a statement issued on Wednesday to mark the festive season.
He extended goodwill messages to Christians and all residents, wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2026 while emphasizing the importance of environmental cleanliness during the period.
According to the commissioner, residents are expected to make cleanliness their watchword by cleaning their immediate surroundings and properly storing waste in covered containers for collection.
He disclosed that all Private Sector Participation waste operators in the state have been directed to operate round the clock throughout the festive period.
This measure, he said, is aimed at ensuring effective waste management in view of the anticipated increase in waste generation associated with Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Oresanya further stated that government waste management equipment, alongside environmental officials, have been deployed to various parts of the state.
He explained that the deployment is intended to complement the efforts of the PSP operators under what he described as special end of year environmental duties.
The commissioner assured residents and visitors that the state government remains fully committed to sustaining a clean environment during and beyond the festive season.
He urged the public to cooperate with waste managers and environmental officials to ensure the success of the operation.
Oresanya also advised traders across the state to conduct their businesses in a clean, safe, and healthy manner, especially as commercial activities are expected to increase.
He warned traders to desist from street trading, stressing that environmental marshals will be actively enforcing compliance in markets and public spaces.
The commissioner issued a strong warning to emergency traders who display livestock and goods on roadsides, medians, and inside vehicle booths.
He directed such traders to relocate to nearby markets, noting that violators risk seizure of their goods and sentencing to community service.
Oresanya said these actions are necessary to preserve the aesthetic beauty of the state and uphold environmental laws.
He also advised motorists to drive cautiously during the festive period to prevent avoidable accidents.
This, he explained, is important as street sweepers will be working daily to keep state roads clean.
In addition, carnival and event organisers were cautioned against blocking state roads for celebrations.
The commissioner reminded the public that Ogun State environmental laws prohibit the obstruction of roads for parties and carnivals.
He reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and environmentally friendly festive season for all.
