The Oyo State Government in partnership with the late Theophilus Adeleke Akinyele family has kicked off a 10-day roadside clean-up and sensitization operation along the 12.5-kilometre roadway in Ibadan named in honour of the former head of service, who also served as Secretary to the Military Government of Oyo state from 1976.
This initiative according to the Commissioner of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, is in commemoration of the 94th posthumous birthday of the distinguished administrator, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo State.
Flagging off the exercise, Hon. Aderinto described the collaboration as a model of responsible public-private partnership. He reiterated that environmental protection remains a shared responsibility between government and citizens.
“We believe the work of government should not be government alone. This cleanup is a call to every resident to embrace proper waste management and protect our shared environment,” the Commissioner stated, commending the Akinyele family for their leadership and civic commitment.
The Akinyele family provided both locally and internationally sourced equipment, as well as dedicated manpower, to support the exercise.
The commisioner urged residents to support the clean-up drive by maintaining proper sanitation practices, patronizing accredited waste collectors, and actively reporting environmental infractions to ensure a cleaner, healthier, and more orderly Oyo State.
Hon. Aderinto further highlighted additional state measures, including the Oyo State whistleblower strategy and the Oyo SSS digital platform, which enables residents to report environmental violations by submitting photos or videos for investigation and prosecution where necessary.
He however confirmed ongoing enforcement actions, including the sealing of non-compliant properties and investigations into permit irregularities.
Leading the family’s effort, Mr. Akikunmi Akinyele described the initiative as a living tribute to their father’s legacy of discipline, order, and excellence in public service.
The initiative aims to restore and sanitize the targeted road corridor and adjoining drainage systems, promote sustained compliance with proper waste management practices, encourage residents to patronize government-accredited waste collectors, and strengthen enforcement against illegal dumping, waste burning, unauthorized construction on roadways, and structures built on waterways.
The 10-day operation will involve desilting road surfaces, clearing drainages and medians, removing accumulated waste, deploying mechanical equipment and manual labour, and conducting post-cleaning washing to ensure lasting sanitation.
