A group known as EnviroNews Advocacy and Campaigns for Sustainability (ENDVOCAS) has formally petitioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, regarding the growing environmental risks posed by the Ogunpa River Channelization. The group is concerned about the river’s transformation into a waste dumping site and the encroachment into its designated setbacks, which are meant to be protected areas.
In their petition titled “Urgent Need to Address Transformation of Ogunpa River Channelization into a Waste Dump, and Encroachment into Allowable Setbacks,” ENDVOCAS criticized the lack of action by government officials despite the worsening environmental situation.
Michael Simire, the executive director of ENDVOCAS, expressed frustration over the government’s seeming indifference or inability to address the matter. He emphasized that the group is prepared to take legal action to force authorities to act and protect the environment.
Simire called for an immediate halt to illegal waste dumping in the Ogunpa River Channel and urged the implementation of measures to prevent future occurrences. He also demanded that all structures built within the river’s setbacks be demolished and that those responsible be held accountable for their actions.
Simire stressed the urgency of the situation, asserting that immediate measures must be taken to protect the environment and ensure the well-being of the community. He proposed a collaborative effort between the Oyo State Government, the Federal Government, and the World Bank to complete the Ogunpa River Channelization project, aiming to address the issue once and for all.
The group, which represents concerned citizens, emphasized that their main goal is to protect both the people and the environment for the betterment of the state and country.
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