By Modupe Gbadeyanka
An organisation known as Mottainai Recycling Africa has partnered with the Oyo State Government to educate the Hausa community in the state on proper waste disposal.
The chief executive of Mottainai, Mr Ade Adewuyi, while addressing residents of Sabo in Mokola, Ibadan, the state capital, urged leaders of the Hausa community to ensure they follow the laid down protocols on how to contain the spread of diseases, which could be caused by a dirty environment.
“Adherence to the basic guidelines will help keep the community safe,” he stressed, engaging them on the cons of disposing of their wastes on the median and how it is important to properly dispose of their refuse in government approved trucks.
He further appealed to the residents to consider the dangers of living in a dirty environment, and its implication on their health, calling on all stakeholders to bring out their wastes once the Mottainai Recycling’s truck is around by 8:00 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
“The community engagement was very strong and positive. After the exercise, we listened and noted their feedback to give them a sense of ownership and to also ensure the sustainability of the entire stakeholder process,” he stated.
In his response, the Seriki Hausawa of Ibadanland, Mr Dahiru Zungeru, pledged the community’s readiness to adhere to the government’s directives on ways to dispose of their waste.
On his part, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Abiodun Oni, who led the team, disclosed that the sensitization drive, which began on Thursday, alerted the community to the essence of keeping a cleaner and healthier Oyo State.
Also in attendance were all association leaders, newly recruited Environmental Health Officers, representatives of Oyo State Waste Management Authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Aduragbemi Omiyale