environment

Policing the Future: “Sustainable and Inclusive Designs for Safer Communities”

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A few days ago, I came across an encouraging update: the honorable member representing my constituency has commenced the construction of a new police post. This development is not only commendable, but it also affirms the findings from my 2022 urban renewal proposal for the Kudeti area. Growing up in this neighborhood, we witnessed repeated waves of insecurity, especially attacks linked to the notorious “One Million Boys” and other gangs. It wasn’t until the death of Biola Ebila in July 2020, during a violent confrontation with a rival group, that relative calm returned to the area. But the scars of insecurity remain. When I began my urban renewal project, data revealed a striking reality: the stretch from Molete through Yejide, Community Grammar School, Ilupeju, Kudeti, with spurs reaching Agbongbon, Idi-Arere, and down to Bode, is home to over 1,000 families. Yet, these neighborhoods are currently expected to rely solely on the Idi-Aro and Sanyo police divisions for security coverage. The construction of this new police post is, therefore, not just timely, it is a critical enhancement to the area’s security architecture. However, this move also brings to the fore previous failed attempts. For instance, the Adeyemo/Osungbade community once initiated a police post project that remains incomplete despite interventions, including cash donations by Hon. Dapo Lam Adesina. But beyond the need to increase the number of police posts under existing divisions, there’s a pressing call to rethink their design and functionality. It’s time we moved away from the intimidating, closed-off structures of the past and toward user-friendly facilities that foster positive relationships between officers and the communities they serve. Although the design of the newly proposed police post has yet to be made public, I strongly hope it considers key improvements. There must be provisions for shaded, covered waiting areas for civilians, which are often neglected. This lack of comfort not only discourages public engagement but can also become grounds for harassment. Moreover, overreliance on artificial ventilation and lighting compromises sustainability. My design proposals in 2022 focused on addressing these very issues by incorporating passive design strategies that enhance comfort while minimizing energy use. While every design can evolve, we must start ensuring that these public facilities are not only functional but also sustainable and community-friendly, from their form and façade to the spaces within. Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate

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“A Call for Sustainable Urban Development and Community-Centered Growth” by Idris Animasaun

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Someone recently told me to stay silent when states discuss the environment and climate change, saying I come from a state that has turned open parks and gardens into real estate. While His Excellency is one of the best governors in the country and a leader I deeply respect, it is becoming increasingly important to pay attention to the concerns being raised regarding the environment and social development. The United Nations Agenda 2030 reminds us that “sustainable cities and communities are critical to ensuring a future where no one is left behind.” I am deeply concerned about the extensive deforestation our city has experienced in recent years under this administration, without efforts to replant or restore green spaces. We’ve lost public places that once allowed for community gatherings and social interaction, yet there have been no upgrades to existing facilities, let alone the development of new ones. The absence of street furniture and intentional urban design in our road rehabilitation projects highlights a gap in prioritizing public spaces as catalysts for social cohesion and development. As stated in Goal 11 of the UN Agenda 2030, “access to green and public spaces, in particular for women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities,” is essential for inclusive, safe, and resilient cities. The environmental and social impacts of these changes cannot be overlooked. We have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to reverse this trend by investing in sustainable urban development that strengthens both our environment and our sense of community. There is immense room for improvement. Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate

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Tragedy at Eleyele Junction: A Call for a Cleaner, Safer, and Sustainable Environment

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A few days ago, a tragic incident occurred at Eleyele Junction in Ibadan Metropolis. According to eyewitness accounts, a truck loaded with granite lost control and struck roadside traders before crashing into a garage where passengers were waiting. This devastating accident left several injured, lives lost, and the community in chaos and mourning. This heartbreaking event underscores the urgent need to address the dangers of roadside trading and its impact on public safety. While the Oyo State Government has repeatedly warned against trading on walkways, setbacks, and main roads, citing concerns about city aesthetics and public safety, recent events suggest a gap in enforcement and commitment to maintaining a safer environment. Underpasses at Molete, Mokola, and similar locations have become hubs for traders and beggars, raising questions about the state’s resolve in addressing this growing menace. A visit to the Challenge area reveals how pedestrian walkways have been overtaken by traders, forcing pedestrians onto busy roads and endangering their lives. Despite the visible presence of officers from the Oyo State Road Traffic Maintenance Agency (OYRTMA), enforcement remains weak. One anonymous trader disclosed that individuals regularly collect revenue from them for using these spaces. This raises critical questions: • Who is collecting this revenue? • Were these spaces designed for trading? • Why aren’t the environmental task force and other agencies enforcing regulations effectively? If the state government is truly committed to creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment, immediate action is required. Enforcement of regulations must be swift and consistent, complemented by sustained advocacy and awareness campaigns. These campaigns should target schools, markets, and malls, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order, cleanliness, and public safety. A cleaner and safer Ibadan is possible, but it requires intentionality and collective effort. Oyo shi ma dun! #ZeroToleranceIbadan #CleanerIbadan #Environment #SustainableDevelopment #Sustainability Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate

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Enhancing Communication and Accountability in Oyo State Ministries: A note to Michael Ogunsina

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Many agencies and ministries in Oyo State employ young aides to support political appointees, yet it remains difficult to reach these bodies via official emails. This gap forces individuals to resort to the unsustainable practice of delivering documents in person. It is perplexing to hear frequent excuses about the government’s inability to adequately empower some appointees. However, setting up an official email address is a basic administrative task that does not require high-level intervention. It is unreasonable to expect His Excellency to address such fundamental needs. Every government agency should establish a comprehensive feedback mechanism beyond the existing Oyo State Government Feedback system. I have observed numerous local government chairmen appointing aides to empower friends and supporters, yet these aides often fail to contribute meaningfully. Instead, they focus on disseminating trivial news, lacking any substantial engagement. Effective communication tools such as newsletters, webinars, apps, and forums like Nairaland should be utilized. When implementing these tools, ensure they are transferable and not dependent on individual officeholders. For example, some official Instagram accounts ceased functioning once the officeholders left, demonstrating a lack of continuity. As young professionals, we must strive to make lasting, intentional impacts regardless of our positions. It is essential to transcend the practice of merely sharing broadcast messages and copied posts across WhatsApp. Genuine relevance comes from making significant contributions that showcase intelligence and value to the realization of policies and projects. Instead of waiting to attack dissenting voices, demonstrate your capabilities through constructive actions. Ogunsina Oluwaseun Michael, I am disappointed by the current performances of some youths of the party working as aides in some departments and agencies because of their lack and of implementing an effective publicity and communication channels. That of Ministry of Agriculture’s significant work is concerning to mention at least, you can barely reach quite a number of these offices via any official channel. The public needs to be aware of the ministry’s activities and achievements but also an Avenue for which they can equally be officially reached. I require the official email addresses for the Ministries of Youth and Sports, Agriculture, Environment, Works, and Lands and Housing by the close of business tomorrow. Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate

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Effective Waste Management: Idris Animasaun score Temitope Glorious high on Municipal Waste Management

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Kolapo Temitope Glorious has initiated a competition to win the Best LG (Local Government) of the Year award. His recent efforts in evacuating a significant volume of waste from the Olorunsogo bridge a few weeks ago clearly demonstrate the necessity of decentralizing waste management in the state. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the state government to enhance waste collection services. By breaking the previous monopoly held by Mottainai Recy and incorporating additional relevant contractors, there have already been notable improvements in waste management. However, it is crucial to explore more sustainable solutions beyond these initial steps. Decentralizing waste management allows for tailored approaches that consider the unique needs of different communities. Localized strategies can be more responsive and efficient, addressing waste issues at their source rather than relying solely on centralized systems. This approach not only improves the effectiveness of waste collection but also fosters community involvement and accountability. Furthermore, our current systems and neighborhood planning underscore the challenges of motorizing waste management. The infrastructure in many areas is not conducive to large-scale waste collection vehicles, which often struggle with accessibility and maneuverability in densely populated or poorly planned neighborhoods. By adopting decentralized methods, we can implement more flexible and adaptive solutions, such as smaller, more agile vehicles or community-based collection points, which can significantly enhance efficiency. Additionally, promoting waste reduction and recycling at the local level is essential. Educational campaigns and community initiatives can encourage residents to minimize waste generation and participate in recycling programs. This not only reduces the burden on waste collection systems but also contributes to environmental sustainability. In conclusion, while the state’s efforts to improve waste collection through diversified contracting are commendable, it is imperative to pursue further sustainable solutions. Decentralizing waste management, improving neighborhood planning, and fostering community involvement are key strategies that can address the underlying challenges and pave the way for a cleaner, more efficient waste management system. Idris Animasaun  Architect and Social Change Advocate  Writes from Molete, Ibadan.

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Open Letter to the Governor: “Inquiry and Accountability: Assessing the ‘Agribusiness for Food Security Initiative’ Event and Related Investments” by Idris Animasaun

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The recent event entitled ‘Agribusiness for Food Security Initiative,’ hosted at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan on April 29, 2024, garnered significant attention. His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, a Former President, the DG of OYSADA, and various dignitaries graced the occasion. The event, as reported is a collaborative effort between IITA and Oyo State government. However, questions are currently being raised about funding for this project and expected deliverables from the event and its impact on food security. Concerned citizens are humbly requesting that a comprehensible overview of the achieved outcomes from the relevant agency should be made available to the public. Furthermore, OYSADA is urged to furnish detailed, itemized records of all investments, specifying amounts, dates of receipt, disbursement particulars, beneficiaries, and the monitoring mechanisms ensuring appropriate fund utilization since inception of this administration in 2019. It is noteworthy that the absence of similar events in Fashola prompts speculation, with concerns raised about potential publicity hesitance due to alleged structural integrity issues related to heavy rainfall. The populace urges His Excellency to conduct a thorough investigation into the financial transactions associated with the construction of Fashola Agribusiness Hub. We are intentionally directing attention towards the designated consultant, Hollar Gabriel Nig. Ltd., tasked with ensuring quality and timely project delivery, whose office is situated at 1 Ipetu Road, Asio, Ondo East LGA, Ondo State to give a thorough account of the project and integrity under his watch. The government needs to be transparent about its expenditures to confirm or refute the narrative of a Public-Private Partnership with Brains and Hammers Ltd. His Excellency, known for his transparency, should ensure clarity regarding the Fashola Farm settlement. Additionally, comparing Oyo State’s agricultural progress to that of other states, such as Lagos, which reportedly earns trillions annually from agriculture, raises questions. Oyo State must disclose its agricultural earnings over the past five years and develop a comprehensive agribusiness plan leveraging Lagos State’s success. This plan should integrate the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology with other state facilities like Fashola Farm settlements to maximize productivity. Instead of relying solely on rental income, Oyo State should invest in its citizens by creating young agricultural entrepreneurs through intentional and substantial investments, providing land, equipment, and education in agricultural and financial management. The state should also utilize its own facilities for agricultural events and training to promote local projects and visibility for rural farmers. Notably, the OYSADA headquarters in Saki, reportedly renovated at a cost of over 400 million Naira, remains underutilized, highlighting the need for more effective resource allocation and utilization.

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“Rising to the Challenge: Addressing Irresponsible Waste Disposal in New Gbagi Market”

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It’s clear that many of us either don’t grasp or choose to overlook the consequences of our actions on environmental pollution, health risks, and strain on state resources. In the past year, I’ve received numerous complaints and images of the pedestrian bridge at the new Gbagi Market along the new Ibadan/Ife Expressway. This represents the extent of our disregard for cleanliness, and unless we all commit to being the change we wish to see, our society will continue to be judged by the images we present to the world. It’s baffling to imagine someone climbing to the top of a pedestrian bridge to discard their waste, and it’s challenging to find adequate words to express my current level of disgust. Irresponsible disposal practices like littering, improper recycling, and illegal dumping pose serious threats to our ecosystems, water sources, and wildlife. These issues are becoming increasingly prevalent citywide, and it’s concerning to consider what sustainable measures are being implemented to address this recurring problem, particularly at this specific location. Furthermore, we must acknowledge the significant resources expended by the state government on waste collection and disposal, largely due to the excessive littering in our city. This has implications for taxpayers and budget allocations. Urgently, I call upon the market leaders of the New Gbagi Market and the revenue collector Mogaji Adanla to collaborate with the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to find lasting solutions to this issue. May the administration’s renewed efforts to make a difference continue to lead to sustainable progress. Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate.

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THE CITIZENS HAVE A BIG ROLE TO PLAY IN SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT by Idris Animasaun

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Often times, I have been at the forefront of advocacy for government to own up to her responsibilities in tackling the menace of waste collection which has bedeviled our environment in recent years. It is interesting to see how the Omituntun 2.0 is responding as they have moved from creating awareness on different radio and online platforms to breaking the monopoly of having a single waste management contractor collecting our wastes to about 10. For an administration that prides itself on prompt reaction to issues being raised, it is commendable to see the decline in the amount of black spots that we used to have within the city centre and our road median steadily becoming a shadow of her usual self. It is in this line that I am using this medium to call on the good people of the Ibadan to see themselves as major stakeholders as we can play a crucial role in sustainable waste management by reducing, reusing, and recycling of waste. We can minimize our waste by practicing responsible consumption habits, segregating recyclables, and composting organic matter. We are getting past the era of illicit dumping as anyone caught by the new Sheriff in town will be made to pay 50,000 naira fine or risk other sentences. The amount of calls I receive on weekly basis to help reach out to the commissioner for mercy by victims is increasingly growing and this feels so shameful for me to put a call through to someone I publicly drag for not doing his job well. We as citizens cannot continue to advocate for better waste management policies without willingness to support initiatives that promote sustainability in our communities which enforcements becomes one of the major fulcrum of actualizing some of these goals. Image Location: Ojoo IbadanDate: 10th April, 2024 Idris AnimasaunArchitect and Social Change Advocate

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2024 International Day of Forests (IDF): Idris Animasaun writes Open Letter to Governor Seyi Makinde.

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Today 21st of March 2024, the rest of the world is celebrating International Day of Forests (IDF). This is a day set aside by a proclamation made in 2012 by the United Nations General Assembly in an effort to celebrate and raise awareness for the importance of all types of forests. Countries across the world are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns on days like this to celebrate its significance in combating climate change. Unfortunately, Oyo State Government recently embarked on the conversion of parks and gardens to residential housing estates for the elite without adherence or compliance with global policies and ideals. This anomaly climaxed in December when it was first reported that age long trees as wide as 900mm radius were being felled by the Oyo State Government within the Ogunpa Forest Reserve otherwise known as Agodi Parks and Gardens. Even if the Oyo State Government planted a million trees tomorrow to replace the mature trees that have been cut down and sold, they cannot perform their functions of carbon absorption, water purification, cloud formation and atmospheric cooling until they are at least 50 years old. Neither will they be able to catch and divert rainfall to our precious underground reservoirs nor hold the soil against erosion when the rains start. From various forms of harassment of peaceful protesters to a media parley that failed to address pivotal issues related to the environmental impact of the decision of the state government to go ahead with the conversion of a pristine forest into a concrete jungle. It is not surprising that neither stakeholder engagements nor aggressive tree planting if only for image making is being undertaken by the government. Over the last couple of days, it was reported that large trees continue to give way for the newly proposed estate situated within the perimeter of Agodi Gardens, watershed and adjoining forest reserves. The theme for the International Day of Forests 2024 is “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World”. It is against this back drop that I use this platform to make an honest appeal to His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde to seek collaborative Partnership on Forests as the ongoing battle against the massive deforestation currently being embarked upon requires new technological advancements to combat it. We have been bending over backwards to combat climate change in a way that reflects either an utter ignorance of the treat it poses to our collective well-being, ecosystem services and environment or just strict deference to global warming campaigns, policies and agenda of the United Nations. Cutting down old-growth trees previously standing guard over the Ogunpa River Watershed in the carbon sink forest surrounding Agodi Gardens will have implications in the near future and it is important that we do not only continue to draw this awareness but also raise the gavel in lieu of its environmental impacts. The rains will definitely come, Agodi Lake will overflow its banks like it has perennially done. With its carbon sink decimated, will the existing Ogunpa Channelization accommodate the intensified runoff that Baywood Estate will generate? However, it should be known that the Ogunpa Channelization program was aimed at preventing flooding due to dumping of waste in our waterways and did not foresee the unlikely event of massive deforestation of its watershed. This is a disaster waiting to happen and it will be on record that environmental concerns were swept under the carpet by the government. As the Oyo State Government continues the extensive destruction of this old forests in the Agodi Gardens, let it be known that concerned citizens spoke their mind and lent their voices to this global concern. “Oro to ba ti k’oja ekun, Erin la fii rin” – Any matter beyond tears, we laugh it out!!! May your administration succeed. Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate

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“Balancing Progress and Preservation: Oyo State’s Battle Against Illegal Structures and the Path to Sustainable Urban Development” by Idris Animasaun

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Following the indiscriminate springing up of shanties, illegal structures and kiosks around the perimeter of Ojoo Bus Terminal, The Oyo State Government had earlier issued a seven-day relocation notice to all squatters, stall and kiosks owners to vacate the area. The development led to protest being made to the Chairman of Agidigbo FM Oriyomi Hamzat by the victim asking him to help appeal to the State Government through the Honorable Commissioner for Environment for staying of execution of the enforcements. On Saturday, I joined Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola Jagaban and Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat to carry out inspections of the affected areas. As an advocate of sustainable waste management, it is important to review illegal shanties and stalls already on drainage channels. The city is currently experiencing a rapid urbanization of its peri-urban centers like Ojoo becoming a gateway into the city, a focal point and as such have her own impact on businesses but most importantly on the city’s image, perception and impression of the state. Addressing the presence of shanties and illegal structures in urban neighborhoods is crucial for the well-being and progress of the community. It goes beyond immediate safety concerns, extending to the broader goals of organized development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced overall quality of life. Removing these structures opens up opportunities for positive transformation, fostering a resilient and aesthetically pleasing urban environment that benefits everyone. And there is now a growing need to ensure we do not only collaborate but compliment that he effort of the government. The commissioner communicated the ministry’s plan with the market men and women that the effort of the state government is for their own safety as the intensity of rainfall associated with climate action means there will be flooding if pathways for water is being blocked by some of their activities. He emphasized that provisions were already made to cordon off some parts for them to go about their daily activities, stressing the need to accomodate one another with respect to these existing provision which includes the neighborhood market. Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat empathize with those that may/will be affected by this decision and told them to be law abiding as the Seyi Makinde administration is a compassionate administration that will continue to put the interest of the state first.

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