Oyo Launches Environmental Whistleblower Programme, Promises Rewards for Informants

The Oyo State Government has launched an environmental whistleblower programme aimed at curbing indiscriminate waste disposal and other environmental violations across the state, with a promise of rewards for residents who provide verified reports.

Speaking at the launch held at the Local Government Staff Training School, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, said the initiative would empower citizens to take ownership of their environment by reporting infractions through structured and technology-driven channels.

Makinde noted that the state had invested significantly in environmental management, including the procurement of waste disposal trucks and the development of structured waste collection systems. Despite these efforts, he lamented that indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blockage of drainage channels, and illegal construction on waterways persist in some communities.

“To address these challenges, we have introduced a whistleblower programme where citizens can report environmental hazards through multiple platforms, including WhatsApp lines, telephone numbers, and dedicated mobile applications,” he said.

According to him, the system is designed to ensure real-time response, with reports transmitted directly to relevant authorities for swift action, thereby eliminating bureaucratic delays often associated with conventional complaint procedures.

Also speaking, the State Lead Consultant on Informal Sector, Mr. Olabode Ajetunmobi, described the operational framework as simple and citizen-driven.

“You see something, you say something,” Ajetunmobi said.

He explained that the programme would operate through two major channels: dedicated enforcement personnel to monitor illegal waste disposal and voluntary citizen participation through digital reporting platforms.

Expressing confidence in the state’s technological capacity, he noted that the system is equipped to handle large volumes of reports simultaneously without disruption.

Ajetunmobi added that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader ambition to position Oyo as the cleanest state in Nigeria, drawing inspiration from Kigali, widely regarded as one of Africa’s cleanest cities.

“Oyo State is already making progress. Having ranked third in ease of doing business in Nigeria through a World Bank-supported project, we are determined to become number one in environmental cleanliness,” he stated.

In his goodwill message, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment and Ecology, Hon. Cephas Olorunpoto, commended the initiative and assured legislative support to strengthen environmental enforcement and promote a healthy environment across the state.

He urged residents to actively utilise the reporting platforms established by the government to achieve the objective of a cleaner and safer Oyo State.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, stressed that the programme goes beyond merely reporting infractions.

“We are not just encouraging reporting; we are rewarding it,” Aderinto said. “We want residents to be the eyes of the Governor in their communities. This is about sanity, not just sanitation.”

He assured residents that all reports would be treated with strict confidentiality to protect the identity of whistleblowers.

“We guarantee confidentiality. We want to encourage participation and assure residents that everyone who supports this initiative will be rewarded,” he added.

Aderinto emphasised that environmental cleanliness is directly linked to economic growth, investment attraction, and job creation. He called on citizens to join hands with the government in restoring the state’s reputation as the Pacesetter State.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Oyo State Rule of Law Agency, Rt. Justice Aderonke Aderemi; Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd); Chairman of the Oyo State Solid Waste Management Agency, Hon. Waheed Adeniyi; market leaders; traditional rulers; and other government officials.

The whistleblower programme is expected to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and deepen citizen participation in environmental governance across the state.