The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Adeoye Aribasoye, has announced that the Assembly will soon pass a bill prohibiting single-use plastics, in an effort to address environmental challenges such as flooding and plastic pollution.
He disclosed this at a pre-legislative stakeholders’ engagement workshop on plastic pollution, organised by Triple Green Environmental Development (TGED) Foundation in collaboration with the Assembly’s Committee on Environment.
Aribasoye noted that the bill has already passed its first reading and assured stakeholders of expedited legislative processes to secure the governor’s assent. He expressed optimism that the law would help curb the pollution caused by indiscriminate plastic disposal across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of TGED Foundation, Seyi Ebenezer, emphasised the urgency of legislative action to tackle plastic waste. She urged participants to raise awareness in their communities and embrace sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Mrs Iyabode Fakunle-Okeimen, highlighted the need for legislation to address the environmental threats posed by plastic pollution.
In his presentation titled “Understanding the Impact of Plastic Pollution: Environmental, Health and Economic Consequences”, Professor Wole Adebayo of Ekiti State University called for increased public awareness. He noted that plastic waste, if properly harnessed, could be a source of economic value through recycling initiatives.
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Also speaking, the Director-General of the Ekiti State Tourism Board, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, warned of the health dangers associated with single-use plastics, including the risk of terminal illnesses. He expressed strong support for the proposed ban.
The attendees included market women, artisans, hoteliers, plastic manufacturers, students, and environmental advocates.
Stakeholders stressed the importance of proper waste disposal systems to prevent drainage blockages and reduce the risk of flooding. They also urged the government to consider purchasing used plastics from residents as a way to create economic opportunities and promote a cleaner environment.
