Oyo launches public-private roadside sanitation drive
The Oyo State Government has rolled out a 10-day large-scale roadside cleanup campaign in partnership with the family of late administrator Theophilus Adeleke Akinyele, in what officials describe as a model for environmental governance across Nigeria.
The initiative covers a 12.5-kilometre roadway in Ibadan named in honour of Akinyele and is designed to serve both as a commemorative project and a demonstration of how collaboration between government and citizens can enhance urban sanitation and infrastructure management.
Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, said the exercise coincides with the 94th posthumous birthday of the late statesman and reflects the state’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices as it marks 50 years of existence.
Akinyele, who served as Secretary to the Military Government and Head of Service between 1976 and 1979, played a key role in shaping the governance structure of the state at its creation.
Flagging off the operation, Aderinto described the initiative as a strategic public-private partnership that highlights shared responsibility in environmental management.
He said the project goes beyond symbolism, urging residents to embrace collective responsibility in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
The cleanup includes desilting road surfaces, clearing drainages and medians, removing accumulated waste, deploying both mechanical and manual resources, and washing affected areas to ensure lasting sanitation standards.
The Akinyele family supported the drive with equipment and manpower sourced locally and internationally.
Beyond restoring the road corridor and adjoining drainage systems, the campaign aims to promote proper waste disposal practices, encourage the use of accredited waste collectors, and strengthen enforcement against illegal dumping, waste burning and unauthorised construction along highways and waterways.
The commissioner also highlighted complementary reforms such as the state’s whistleblower policy and the Oyo SSS digital platform, which enables residents to report environmental violations through photo and video evidence for investigation and possible prosecution.
Observers say the initiative positions Oyo as a potential benchmark for coordinated environmental action as Nigerian cities confront mounting challenges related to flooding, waste management, and rapid urbanisation.
Leading the family’s delegation, Mr. Akinkunmi Akinyele described the exercise as a lasting tribute to his father’s legacy of public service and emphasised the importance of responsible citizenship in achieving sustainable development.
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