The government of Oyo State is gearing up for a collaboration with the Kingdom of the Netherlands to improve waste management and foster a circular economy in a bid to promote sustainable environmental practices.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, revealed this during a significant meeting with representatives from the Dutch government.
An official statement from the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, mentioned that the meeting took place at the Ministry of Environment on Wednesday.
“We are prepared to work alongside the Netherlands government, but we require a well-defined plan on how the circular economy functions. This concept is new to us, just as we are new to the Netherlands platform. This signifies the start of a fresh relationship, and we will ensure all necessary follow-ups,” he stated.
In order to drive this initiative, the commissioner announced the establishment of a Circular Economy Desk within the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
This desk will tap into the knowledge of existing institutions and devise strategies for execution.
“I am thrilled that this is taking place during my tenure. We already have a foundation, but we have not fully capitalized on it. Now, Oyo State is poised to seize the opportunity,” he remarked.
Peter Kelley, the Representative of the Consulate General of the Netherlands, emphasized the economic prospects linked to waste recycling.
“Just as it has succeeded in the Netherlands, it can also thrive here if we involve all stakeholders, including the government, businesses, communities, and universities. The consulate general’s role is to facilitate this process,” he explained.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sunday Ojelabi, expressed appreciation for the Netherlands’ interest in supporting the state’s sustainability objectives.