From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State House of Assembly, has raised alarm over the growing environmental risk posed by the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainages across the state, especially during the rainy season.
During plenary on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Hon. Bello Oniboki, who moved a motion of urgent public importance, lamented the worsening state of blocked drainages in several communities, describing it as a serious threat to both public health and infrastructure.
“This issue has become a crisis in our communities. When citizens dump waste into gutters, especially during rainfall, it leads to flooding, damaged roads, stagnant water, and faster road deterioration. It’s an environmental and health disaster in waiting,” Hon. Oniboki said.
While acknowledging the ongoing efforts of the state government under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to prioritise environmental sanitation, including the regular de-silting of drainages and inclusion of proper drainage systems in new roads, the lawmaker stressed that residents must also play their part.
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“No matter how proactive the government is, without the cooperation of the people, we’ll keep seeing the same problems. Everyone must take responsibility,” he added.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Mohammed Salihu (Okuta/Yashikira), Hon. Ganiyu Folabi Salahu (Omupo), and Hon. Yusuf Maryam Aladi (Ilorin South), lent their voices in support of the motion, calling for tougher enforcement of sanitation laws and more community-level awareness.
The House also adopting key resolutions, commended Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration for its sustained investment in drainage construction and maintenance.
While calling on the Ministry of Environment to empower Environmental Health Officers to enforce sanitation laws more effectively, it advocate increased collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, NGOs, and community-based organisations to intensify public awareness.
Meanwhile, the House also screened and confirmed Mr. Alayande Olajide, as the new Auditor-General for Kwara State. His nomination was sent by the Governor and received unanimous approval from lawmakers after screening.
Following his confirmation, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, directed the Clerk to formally notify the Executive Governor.
The day’s sitting was adjourned following a motion moved by Hon. Magaji Oba Abdulkadir (Ilorin Central) and seconded by Hon. Lawal Ayansola Salihu (Ipaye/Malete/Oloru).
