By Friday Omosola
As environmental issues are cross-cutting and affecting all segments of economy across the country, the Ondo State government under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has affirmed readiness to implement and enforce compliance with the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (ODSEPA) law.
The Special Adviser to Ondo State governor on Environment, Hon Oyeniyi Oseni said this Tuesday at the stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency, ODSEPA held at the state information technology Agency (SITA hall) in Akure, the State capital.
Oyeniyi said the government will enforce compliance with ODSEPA Law, as provided for in Chapter 50 of Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency Law 1993.
The special adviser said the vision of the government is to ensure a safer and sustainable environment, saying the administration is striving to carry all stakeholders along in the implementation of its objectives as stated in the Law, so as to achieve the mission of formulating enduring environmental strategies that protect, preserve and restore the State’s ecosystem.
He added that the government has put in place a structure in ODSEPA with capacity to implement objectives, monitor and mitigate pollution impacts.
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“Therefore, sustainable development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of good environmental governance, which pre-supposes effective and adequate environmental compliance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to address environmental problems at all levels.
“The benefits of enforcement of environmental regulations include creation of employment opportunities, protection of the environment and environmental sustainability.
“While we encourage manufacturing and commercial centers to industrialize the State, we, as Agency of Government saddled with the responsibility of environmental protection, will have zero tolerance for environmental pollutions arising from the activities of the operators, so that people of the State will not suffer unwarranted hardships. That is why this forum must avail the needed chance to strike a balance between development and sustainability,” he said.
Furthermore, he solicited for the cooperation of all stakeholders, especially the industrial sector, to achieve the Governor’s vision for the state.
Corroborating, the Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Sunday Akinwalire urged stakeholders to ensure a safe and cleaner environment across the state for healthier and sustainable environment
Akinwalire commended the efforts of Governor Akeredolu for bringing the agency back to life after years of inexistence, noting that the Government is ready to ensure that environments are safer for the betterment of the masses.
Speaking, the Secretary, Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (ODSEPA), Princess Korede Giwa said the agency is embedded with the responsibility of providing technical & professional assistance to combat Environmental challenges within the State.
“ODSEPA has a mandate of striking a unique balance between social, economic and environmental sustainability, the Environmental Protection is not for the government alone, it is a joint effort of all of us,” he stated.
Giwa further encouraged stakeholders to show enthusiasm towards environmental protection and development.
