World Sanitation Day 2025: Leadership Conference in Akure, Ondo State
On June 20, 2025, Akure, the capital of Ondo State, hosted this year’s leadership conference commemorating World Sanitation Day under the theme: *
“Creating Sustainability and Wealth in a Changing Dynamic World.”
The event, organized by the Ondo State Waste Management Authority (OSWMA), brought together government officials, environmental advocates, partners, and community stakeholders to reflect, evaluate progress, and discuss strategies towards sustainable sanitation.
Mrs. Yinka Alabi, Chairman of OSWMA, delivered the keynote speech, emphasizing the vital role of environmental sanitation in public health, economic stability, and ecological preservation. She highlighted that, since Nigeria designated June 28th as National Environmental Sanitation Day in 2005—marking its 20th anniversary—significant strides have been made. Yet, the journey toward comprehensive sanitation requires continued collective effort.
Mrs. Alabi underscored several strategic initiatives undertaken in the past year, supported by the state government under the leadership of Governor Hon. Dr. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa:
– Community Clean-Up Campaigns:
Routine sanitation drives across local government areas fostered grassroots participation and environmental ownership, ensuring cleaner roads and open spaces.
– Hygiene Education Programs:
Weekly outreach to markets across the state aimed to inculcate good hygiene practices and raise environmental awareness, with plans to extend these programs to schools soon.
– Waste Management Innovations:
Pilot projects on waste sorting and recycling were launched to reduce landfill pressure and promote circular economy practices.
– Flood Control Efforts:
Waterway clearing operations have been intensified using excavators to prevent flooding, safeguard lives, and protect properties.
– Capacity Building:
Regular training and sensitization workshops for sanitation officers and community volunteers were held to promote best practices in waste handling, safety, and climate-smart hygiene interventions.
Mrs. Alabi also announced upcoming initiatives, including increased procurement of waste collection trucks and the construction of recycling plants, aimed at environmental sustainability, job creation, and revenue generation.
She emphasized that environmental sanitation is an ongoing journey requiring collaboration, innovation, and unwavering determination. The celebration calls for collective action, with all sectors—governments, civil society, the private sector, traditional leaders, and citizens embracing environmental responsibility as a civic and moral duty.
Concluding her address, Mrs. Alabi urged stakeholders to see each community as a stepping stone toward a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment—one action at a time.
The conference served as a vital platform to reaffirm commitments and inspire continued efforts toward sustainable sanitation in Nigeria, aligning with global goals to create resilient and wealth-generating ecosystems.
