Gov Oyebanji must take responsibility for the crisis….
TRUTH HAS NO SHADE, OR SOME GREY IN-BETWEEN APPEARANCES
Ado-Ekiti, the capital city of Ekiti State, has become an eyesore in recent times due to its poor waste management. The city, once known for its cleanliness, is now a shadow of its former self.
The rapid urbanization of Ado-Ekiti has clearly led to an increase in waste generation, which has overwhelmed the capacity of the Ekiti State Waste Management Agency (EKS-WAMA).
Research has shown that Ado-Ekiti, with a population of 800,000, generates over 6,000 tons of waste daily. However, only 700 tons of this waste is evacuated daily to a landfill site in the city. This gross inadequacy in waste management has severe environmental and health implications for the residents of Ado-Ekiti.In 2024, the Ekiti State government approved a sum of ₦112,268,921.12 for the procurement of additional waste disposal equipment to complement the ₦150 million spent on procurement by the present administration.
Despite this significant investment, the agency’s performance remains inadequate. This raises suspicions about the funding of the agency and the effectiveness of its management.
Similarly, the leadership of the Ekiti State House of Assembly needs not be reminded that it ought to have carried out an investigation into the finance and management of EKS-WAMA.
No doubt, the legislature, as an important branch of government, has a critical role to play in ensuring that every agency is held accountable for its actions and that the funds allocated to it are used effectively and efficiently.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji must also take responsibility for the crisis and take immediate action to address it. The governor’s failure to query or sack Mrs. Tosin-Ajisafe Aluko, the State Commissioner for Environment, and Mr. Sunkanmi Onipede, the Director-General of EKS-WAMA, over their incompetence is a clear indication of the lack of accountability in the system.
Of a truth, the consequences of inadequate waste management are far-reaching and incalculable. The proliferation of dumpsites in strategic areas in Ado-Ekiti poses significant risks to public health. The lack of proper waste disposal facilities and management has given rise to the increasing proliferation of pests and rodents, vectors of diseases, which must be nipped in the bud, hence could compromise public safety.
The economic implications of the crisis are also significant. The lack of proper waste management infrastructure in an emerging city like Ado-Ekiti has a way of resulting in huge revenue loss for the state government. And this is because it discourages potential investors who may want to invest in any sector of the State’s economy.
Aside from that, it does not portray Ekiti State in a good light to the outside world. A state as reputable as Ekiti, with an abundance of enlightened and educated people, should be able to set a standard for other states in the country.
In a nutshell, the Ekiti State government, under Governor Biodun Oyebanji, must adopt a holistic approach to address the waste management crisis in Ado-Ekiti. This approach must include investing in modern waste management infrastructure, appointing competent hands to head the agency, and implementing efficient waste collection systems.
While these are essential and necessary, the State Ministry of Information must embark on an aggressive public awareness campaign on proper waste disposal practices among residents.
Also, the role of private sector in addressing the waste management crisis in the state cannot be overstressed. Public-private partnerships are key in providing the necessary funding and expertise to manage waste effectively. The Ekiti State government must ensure that the private sector operators are held accountable for their actions and provide the necessary services to the residents of Ado-Ekiti.
The waste management crisis in Ado-Ekiti is a ticking time bomb that requires immediate attention. The Ekiti State government, House of Assembly, and other relevant stakeholders in the Ekiti project must work together to address this crisis. The time to act is now.
