A group, EnviroNews Advocacy and Campaigns for Sustainability (ENDVOCAS), has cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde over the environmental risks posed by the transformation of the Ogunpa River Channelisation into a waste dump and encroachments into its designated setbacks.
In the petition titled: “Urgent Need to Address Transformation of Ogunpa River Channelization into a Waste Dump and Encroachment into Allowable Setbacks,” the group accused government officials of inaction despite the growing environmental hazards.
Speaking to journalists in Ibadan, the Executive Director of ENDVOCAS, Michael Simire, expressed frustration over the government’s apparent disinterest or incapacity to address the issue.
He revealed that the group is prepared to take legal action to compel the authorities to fulfill their responsibilities and safeguard the environment.
Simire charged the government to immediately stop illegal refuse dumping in the Ogunpa River Channel and implement measures to prevent a recurrence.
He also called for a halt to all encroachments on the channel’s setbacks, demanding the demolition of temporary and permanent structures erected within these areas with offenders held accountable for their actions.
He stressed that urgent action is needed to protect the environment and serve the interests of the people.
“We demand that measures should be immediately it in place via a collaboration involving Oyo state government, Federal Government and World Bank to complete the Ogunpa River Channelization project so as to achieve the ultimate aim of the project such that the attendant incidences become a thing of the past.
“We are concern citizens, all we want is the best for our state and our dear country, what we seek is for the betterment of the people, protection of people and the environment is sacrosanct,” he said.
