Dare Babalola
The Ogun State Government urged residents and visitors of the state to ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment as it joins the global celebration of Christmas and the forthcoming New Year.
Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abeokuta, as the state prepares to mark the festive season.
Wishing Christians and residents a Merry Christmas and prosperous 2026, Oresanya urged everyone to prioritise environmental cleanliness by clearing their surroundings and storing waste in covered containers for collection by assigned Waste PSP Operators, who’ll be working throughout the festive period.
He wrote, “All PSP Operators in the state have been mandated to work round-the-clock throughout this festive period to collect wastes in their assigned areas for effective waste management especially with expected increase in waste generation from the celebration.
“Aside from this,all government waste management equipments with environmental officials have been deployed to various parts of the state to complement the efforts of the PSP operators in this ‘Special End -Of -The-Year Duties’ geared towards maintaining clean environment statewide.
“So residents of the state and visitors are therefore assured of government’s readiness to continue to maintain the clean environment the state is noted for at all times as I urge our people to play their part by cooperating with them for this operation.”
Also, Oresanya advised traders to operate in clean, safe environments, especially with increased activity expected in markets and supermarkets. He warned against street trading, noting that Environment Marshals will enforce regulations and maintain order across markets and public areas.
Oresanya also warned people he described as “emergency traders” – selling livestock or goods on roadsides, medians, or in vehicles – to relocate to nearby markets, where space is available. The government will seize goods and impose community service on offenders for damaging the state’s image with illegal street trading.
Oresanya also urged motorists to drive cautiously to prevent accidents, as street sweepers work to keep roads clean.
He also reminded carnival organisers that blocking roads for events is prohibited, citing environmental laws. He wishes everyone a fun, safe celebration in a clean environment.
