PLASTIC POLLUTION - OGUN UNVEILS TWO INITIATIVE

 

The Ogun State government has unveiled two new initiatives ,the Plastic For Cash and the Blue Box to combat plastic pollution and environmental degradation in the state.

Unveiling the initiative at the Owu Palace as part of activities marking the the 2025 World Environmental Day themed "Beating Plastic Pollution" in Ogun State, First Lady and Wife of the Governor,Mrs Bamidele Abiodun said the innovative programmes will not only reward individuals for embracing plastic recycling and responsible waste disposal it will also encourage a culture of sustainability and shows how creative thinking can drive lasting behavioural change.

 

She therefore called on residents of the state to support the initiatives as growing crisis of plastic pollution affect our health, our economy and our planet .

 

  "We must confront this challenge with bold ideas , practical solution and collective resolve to have a clean healthier and safer environment which these initiative is aimed at ending"

   

 

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya said the theme for this year World Environment Day "Beating Plastic Pollution" is not only timely but critical for our ecosystem ,our economy and our citizens adding that plastic products such as bottles,caps, cigarettes, shopping bags,cups and stress have grown into a global crisis that are choking our water bodies, polluting our lands and infiltrating the food chain.

 

  Oresanya added that the Plastic For Cash and Blue Box Initiatives are not just a policy but a movement to behavioural change as residents will be able to exchange sorted plastic waste for cash and value- based items thereby not only turning waste to wealth but reduce plastic pollution and environmental degradation and create economic opportunities particularly for the youths, women and low income earners 

  

 For the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty,  Oba Saka Matemilola, Otileta the VII, he called for attitudinal change from residents of the state on how they carelessly dispose their plastic waste as it not only caused environmental degradation but affect the aquatic life in the rivers .

    There were goodwill messages from National Environment Standard Regulation Enforcement Agency NESREA,Nigeria Environmental Society NES, Ogun State Waste Management Authority OGWAMA while the highlight of the celebration was the swapping of plastic waste for cash by residents of Abeokuta at celebration venue.