Flood: 128 Environmental Offenders Arrested, Prosecuted In Ogun

Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji 

ABEOKUTA - The Ogun State government has arrested and prosecuted One hundred and twenty eight (128) environmental offenders for contravening the state environmental laws. 

They offenders who were apprehended and prosecuted in major cities and towns of Abeokuta, Ijebu-ode, Sagamu, Ota, Ifo, Mowe and Ibafo were found guilty of dumping refuse on roads, medians, water courses and canals which contravened the state Environmental laws thereby aiding flooding that  destroyed public and private properties as well as infringing on public peace and safety.

They all pleaded guilty and were subsequently fined between#5,000 and #10,000 respectively. 

Reacting, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Head of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority OGWAMA, Mr Ola Oresanya said the arrest and successful prosecution will serve as deterrent to others as the enforcement of the state environmental laws will continue.

He urged residents to patronize waste managers assigned to their areas as the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration has accredited and assigned one hundred and twenty (120) PSP waste managers to various local governments for effective collection of refuse to stop illegal dumping of refuse and stop the spread of diseases and destruction of public and private infrastructure.

While promising that the state government will continue to invest in waste management infrastructure, Mr Oresanya urged members of the public to support the various initiatives through its waste management cellular economic programs such as waste- recycling,waste-use and waste-reduction.

The Special Adviser also reiterated the state government's commitment to bequeath a safe and clean environment adding that the enforcement of the state environmental laws would continue through the arrest of erring members of the public by the state Environmental Health Personnel and the Nigeria Police, Ogun State Command.