United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF],Oyo State Government and an environmental scholar at the University of Ibadan [UI], Dr. Femi Balogun, have urged residents of the state on proper disposal of waste, especially textile materials, to enhance the circular economy.
The Director of Water, sanitation and hygiene [WASH], UNICEF, Mr Monday Johnson; the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Seun Ashamu, and Balogun made the call during the World Clean-Up Day celebration held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The event, themed: “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste through Circular Fashion,” featured key speakers who emphasised the importance of waste management and sustainability.
In his remarks, Ashamu called on residents to embrace sustainable practices by reusing and re-purposing textiles in order to reduce waste and protect the environment.
The commissioner urged citizens, especially market men and women, to sort their waste, assuring government support for recycling and reusing waste.He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and promoting responsible waste management, encouraging citizens to act responsibly while warning that those who flout environmental laws would face sanctions. Ashamu explained that the initiative was not only to commemorate the global clean-up exercise but also to raise awareness about the environmental challenges associated with textile and fashion waste, urging residents to show the same level of care for their surroundings as they do for their personal well-being and homes.
In his remarks, the Director of WASH, UNICEF, Johnson urged the people of the state to adopt more responsible practices in the use and disposal of textiles as part of efforts to combat environmental pollution. He noted that textiles are a significant contributor to environmental degradation, emphasising the need for individuals to make more conscious decisions about clothing consumption and waste.
In the lecture titled: ‘’Tackling Textile Waste Through Circular Economy’’, Dr Balogun, who was represented by Dr Deborah Adeyemi, said textile contributed to environmental waste. ‘’Circular economy is the way to go if the state wants to tackle textile waste’’, Balogun added.
In his address, the Chairman House Committee on Environment and Ecology, praised the ministry’s efforts and reaffirmed the state assembly’s commitment to a clean environment.
