OYOWMA Chairman, Hon Biiro Urges Unity, Productivity in Oyo Waste Sector, Pledges Inclusive Leadership
OYOWMA Chairman Urges Unity, Productivity in Oyo Waste Sector, Pledges Inclusive Leadership
…As Stakeholders Meet to Tackle Cleanliness Challenges in Oyo State
IBADAN — Consultants and Private Sector Participants (PSPs) in Oyo State’s waste management sector gathered this week for a stakeholders’ engagement meeting organized by the Oyo State Waste Management Agency (OYOWMA).
Eagles Sight News reports that the meeting was chaired by Hon. Waheed Akanbi Biiro, the newly appointed Chairman of OYOWMA and former Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government. The session was moderated by the agency’s General Manager, Engr. Afolabi Akeem Adewale.
In his opening address, Hon. Biiro warmly welcomed all stakeholders and assured them that his administration had no intention of making life difficult for anyone. Rather, he emphasized the importance of unity, productivity, and a shared sense of responsibility. “You must be productive before you can get something,” he stated, citing a principle he learned from a former school teacher: “Do something, make something, and get something.”
He urged stakeholders to see each other as a family and work together to achieve a cleaner and healthier Oyo State. “Let us make Oyo State clean and make our Governor proud,” he said, highlighting the proactive efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde, who he noted had prioritized cleanliness and public health even before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was as if he foresaw what was coming,” Biiro remarked, encouraging all participants to rise to the task.
Several PSP operators and consultants took turns to air their views and concerns. Some PSPs alleged that certain consultants were not committed to the vision, accusing them of trying to “eat where they have not sown.” They called on the Chairman to curb acts of favoritism and selfish interests that threaten service delivery.
However, other voices defended the system, stating that the challenges varied by location. A representative from Ibadan Southwest emphasized that problems differed across zones depending on the leadership. “For us, we have minimal issues,” he said.
Chief Lamidi Alli Balogun, a respected elder among the stakeholders, encouraged the Chairman to remain honest and consult experienced figures when necessary. “We are here to support,” he said, pledging his cooperation.
Mr. Olusegun Ogunlola of Call Venture raised concerns about poor dumpsite supervision and ineffective consultants, calling for tighter monitoring and enforcement.
A female participant, visibly emotional, declared, “It is only a bastard who will not pray for a clean Oyo State.” While she praised the Chairman’s leadership, she lamented that some participants were trying to benefit without putting in real work. Still, she acknowledged progress in some areas.
Engineer Komolafe echoed similar concerns, stating, “Nearly all the contractors want to eat from where they have not worked,” and urged the Chairman to ignore those driven by self-interest.
Mrs. Olajumoke of Abe Clean Nigeria Ltd. highlighted financial strain, saying, “We pay 20 percent without knowing whether we make any profit.”
Mr. Admul Ibiyomi prayed for divine guidance for the Chairman and encouraged him to work only with sincere, committed stakeholders.
Mr. Ayovowale Odunayo of Montalina Ltd. reported relative stability in his area, noting that his team had even lent trucks to other operators. “In Ibadan Southwest, we don’t have much issue,” he said.
A representative from ULK Ltd., a medical waste company, advised the Chairman to tailor solutions to the peculiarities of each zone, stressing that not all challenges were widespread.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Waheed Akanbi Biiro reaffirmed his commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and practical solutions. “Let us forget what has happened in the past. This administration is for everyone. Give us your cooperation, and we will move forward together,” he concluded.
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