World Clean-up Day: Oyo Govt Urges Residents to Reuse Textiles to Curb Waste and Protect Environment

…As Com. Seun Ashamu urges residents to rethink fashion habits and protect the planet from textile pollution.

The Oyo State Government has called on residents to embrace sustainable practices by reusing and repurposing textiles in order to reduce waste and protect the environment.

The call was made by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Seun Ashamu, during the World Clean-Up Day celebration held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan. This year’s event was themed “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste Through Circular Fashion.”

Hon. Ashamu explained that the initiative was not only to commemorate the global clean-up exercise but also to raise awareness about the environmental challenges associated with textile and fashion waste.

“The essence of what we are doing today is to commemorate the Clean-up Day and sensitize our people on this year’s theme, which centers on textiles. We can re-use our clothes and fabrics in creative ways that reduce the amount of waste generated in our society,” the Commissioner stated.

He further urged residents to show the same level of care for their surroundings as they do for their personal well-being and homes.

“My message to the people is that we must take care of our environment just as we take care of our bodies and houses. Let us extend that same attention and discipline to our environment,” he added.

Hon. Ashamu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and promoting responsible waste management, encouraging citizens to act responsibly while warning that those who flout environmental laws would face sanctions.

In his address, The Chairman House Committee on Environment and Ecology, commended the Ministry efforts and reaffirmed the state assembly’s committee to a clean environment.

In his remarks, The Director of WASH, UNICEF, Mr Monday Johnson urged the people of the state to adopt more responsible practices in the use and disposal of textiles as part of efforts to combat environmental pollution.

“When we talk about environmental pollution, textiles are among the major contributors. This year’s World Clean-up Day draws our attention to the growing problem of textiles waste and reminds us not to ignore it.” Mr. Johnson said.

He noted that textiles are a significant contributor to environmental degradation, emphasizing the need for individuals to make more conscious decisions about clothing consumption and waste

We must evaluate what we truly need, give out what we no longer use, and reuse materials as much as possible to minimize textile waste in our environment.” he said.

The event brought together notable figures, including the Iyaloja of Ibadanland among others