Ondo govt warns companies against violation of environmental laws
The Ondo State Government has called on industrial and commercial companies operating in the state to ensure a clean, safe and healthy environment.
Mr Oyeniyi Oseni, Special Adviser to Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Environment, made the call at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (ODSEPA) on Tuesday in Akure.
The theme of the meeting was ‘Introducing Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (ODSEPA) Policy Thrust”.
According to him, environmental issues are cross-cutting and affecting all segments of the economy as the environment provides the life-support system to mankind.
Oseni, who explained that the agency had received a lot of petitions from the public concerning environmental pollution, said it was imperative for those generating the noise pollution to engage consultants to proffer solutions.
He also explained that there would be no hiding place for those who violated the environmental laws of the state.
“A sustainable development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of good environmental governance, which pre- supposes effective and adequate environmental compliance monitoring and enforcement mechanism to address environmental problems at all levels.
“At a time of deepening globalisation and increasing competition for production and investment, cities have become the target for a wide range of public interventions.
“While we encourage manufacturing and commercial centres to industrialise the state, we, as an agency of the government, are saddled with the responsibility of environment protection.
“We will have zero tolerance for environmental pollution arising from the activities of the operators so that people of the state will not suffer unwarranted hardships.
“That is why this forum must make available the needed chance to strike a balance between development and sustainability,” he said.
Also speaking, Princess Korede Giwa, Administrative Secretary, ODSEPA, said that the task of environmental protection was not that of government alone, but required concerted efforts of all stakeholders.
“The present situation of our environment brings into focus the consciousness that development can no more be sustained without protecting and conserving the environment.
“So, environment is the most valuable asset of man, for us as an agency, we have resolved to bequeath to our dear state, quality environment devoid of pollution and degradation,” Giwa said.(NAN)
