Environment

Oyo Govt. Clamps Down on Scavengers

By Web News 231

By Rasheedah Makinde

The Oyo State Government has commenced a 24-hour surveillance operation to curb illegal scavenging in Ibadan metropolis.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Ademola Aderinto, stated this during an interview with newsmen.

Mr Aderinto explained that the action was targeted at regulating the activities of metal scavengers, popularly known as “BOLA,” in order to prevent infrastructure vandalism, enhance public safety and promote environmental sustainability.

He reiterated that the Ministry has a statutory responsibility to keep Oyo State clean and free from activities that pose as environmental and public health hazards, noting that unchecked scavenging has contributed to environmental degradation and insecurity in some parts of the state.

Mr Aderinto emphasized that open scavenging is prohibited in Oyo State and assured that the government would not relent in its resolve to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders in line with existing environmental laws.

According to the Commissioner, violators are liable to penalties including fines ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, community service and possible jail terms, depending on the severity of the offence.

The Commissioner revealed that, as part of the ongoing enforcement drive, a total of nineteen illegal scavengers were apprehended and prosecuted.

In a related development, Mr Aderinto said the Ministry also sealed a food processing facility located within a residential area at Wofun, Ibadan, following findings that its boiler was emitting excessive carbon soot into the environment, thereby contributing to air pollution.

Mr Aderinto stressed that the facility would only be reopened after full compliance from the company.

Edited by Olaolu Fawole

Legislature

OYHA Moves to Regulate Scavengers’ Activities

By Web News 287

By Mosope Kehide

In a bid to curb the rising incidents of vandalism and theft of public and private infrastructure, Oyo Assembly member representing Ibadan North-West State Constituency, Mr Dawood Olalere has moved a motion for regulation of the activities of metal scavengers, commonly known as “Boola”.

The motion was presented during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin.

Presenting the motion, Mr Olalere noted that, the scavengers have been implicated in the theft and destruction of critical utilities, including streetlights, road signposts, electrical installations, railway tracks, and security barriers, posing significant risks to public safety and economic stability.

“In their relentless search for scrap metal, these scavengers have been implicated in the theft and destruction of critical utilities, posing significant risks to public safety and economic stability,” the motion reads.

Mr Olalere further observed that the indiscriminate activities of these scavengers have disrupted communities and businesses, particularly those in the Blacksmith, Welder, and Iron Sellers Association, have repeatedly raised concerns over the severe economic losses caused by the unchecked operations of scavengers.

“Many residents lament that reporting the activities of ‘Bola’ boys to the police no longer yields results, as offenders are often released without consequences or are seen in close interactions with law enforcement officials,” the motion notes.

To address this menace, the lawmaker urges the Executive Arm of Government to take measures, including regulating the activities of scrap metal dealers and establishing designated collection centres for scrap materials.

He also called on the Committees on Environment, Water Resources and Ecology, and Security and Strategies to interface with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies, to proffer sustainable solutions to the activities of scavengers.

During the plenary, the House approved Governor Seyi Makinde’s request to issue a bond for the remodelling of the Agbowo Shopping Complex in Ibadan. 

The decision was made after the Governor’s letter of request was read on the floor of the House by Speaker Mr Adebo Ogundoyin. 

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Legislature

Bill to Regulate Scavengers Underway

By Web News 213

By Omolara Adasofunjo

A bill to regulate the activities of Scavengers and waste dealers in Ogun State to promote Public Order, Environmental Safety and Peaceful Coexistence has scaled second reading at the Ogun State House of Assembly. 

Opening debate on the bill, Dr Babatunde Tella said it was aimed at addressing the growing concerns over the activities of scavengers in the state and expressed optimism that the bill would promote public order by regulating scavenging activities to specific hours, suggesting 8:00a.m  to 5:00p.m while also prohibiting their operations on Sundays.

Dr Tella postulated that the bill, when operational would empower communities to restrict scavenging activities in their areas, stipulate penalties for violations, ensure lawful enforcement, and saddle the Ministry of Environment with the responsibility of monitoring and sensitizing stakeholders on compliance.

In a submission, the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Mr Samusideen Lawal noted that it was criminal for scavengers to move around the neighbourhood as early as 6:00a.m alleged that some scavengers were involved in stealing and burgling.

Other contributors were also unanimous in their submissions that the activities of the scavengers had continued to threaten the security and well-being of the people.

The Speaker, Mr Oludaisi Elemide who pointed out that scavengers were operating across the country emphasized the need to regulate their activities and later assigned the bill to the Committee on Environment for further legislative action.

Meanwhile, a bill to establish the Young Farmers Club at Basic and Senior Secondary Schools in Ogun State was equally considered during the plenary.

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