By, Olawale Ogunbusola

 

The Oyo State Government has partnered with the Akinyele family to launch a 10-day roadside clean-up and sensitization operation along the 12.5-kilometre roadway in Ibadan named in honour of the late Theophilus Adeleke Akinyele.

The Commissioner for , Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, said the initiative commemorates the 94th posthumous birthday of the distinguished administrator and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo State, underscoring its historic and civic significance.

He noted that the late Akinyele served as Secretary to the Military Government and Head of Service of Oyo State from 1976 to 1979, playing a foundational role in shaping the early governance structure of the state.

Flagging off the exercise, Hon. Aderinto described the collaboration as a model of responsible public-private partnership.
He reiterated that environmental protection remains a shared responsibility between government and citizens.

“We believe the work of government should not be by government alone but the people working with the government. This cleanup is a call to every resident to embrace proper waste management and protect our shared environment,” the Commissioner stated, commending the Akinyele family for their leadership and civic commitment.

The 10-day operation will involve desilting road surfaces, clearing drainages and medians, removing accumulated waste, deploying mechanical equipment and manual labour, and conducting post-cleaning washing to ensure lasting sanitation. The Akinyele family provided both locally and internationally sourced equipment, as well as dedicated manpower, to support the exercise.

The initiative aims to restore and sanitize the targeted road corridor and adjoining drainage systems, promote sustained compliance with proper waste management practices, encourage residents to patronize government-accredited waste collectors, and strengthen enforcement against illegal dumping, waste burning, unauthorized construction on roadways, and structures built on waterways.

The Oyo State Government urged residents to support the clean-up drive by maintaining proper sanitation practices, patronizing accredited waste collectors, and actively reporting environmental infractions to ensure a cleaner, healthier, and a saner Oyo State.

The Commissioner further highlighted additional state measures, including the Oyo State whistleblower strategy and the Oyo SSS digital platform, which enables residents to report environmental violations by submitting photos or videos for investigation and prosecution where necessary.

During the flag off, The honourable commissioner took measures against some construction on highways and water ways set back,and affirmed that more will be done.

Leading the family’s effort, Mr. Akikunmi Akinyele described the initiative as a living tribute to their father’s legacy of discipline, order, and excellence in public service.