In a measure to enhance proper waste handling and management, the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), in partnership with the State Ministry of Environment, has officially launched the Blue Box Initiative in the Ogun East Senatorial District.

The launching ceremony which took place, at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, with the theme: ‘Significance of Waste Segregation in Sustainable Resource Utilisation’, where the Chief Executive Officer of OGWAMA, Hon. Abayomi Hunye, said the initiative was to project environmental sustainability through the provision disposable  wastes options which included re-cycling for residents.

 He highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of recycling, noting that recycling waste had become a means of earning income and making a living, urging residents to sell their old and recyclable items such as plastic bottles, metals, papers and glass for recycling purposes.

 Hon. Hunye emphasised the importance of attitudinal change toward waste management, encouraging residents to actively participate in proper sorting and recycling.

“This initiative is not just another waste programme; it is a transformational strategy. The Blue Box Initiative is designed to instill the culture of waste segregation at the household and community levels.

"It will reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, promote recycling and create jobs within the waste management value chain. We are building a cleaner, healthier and more economically vibrant Ogun State where waste becomes a resource,” he said.

 He further stated that the Blue Box Initiative was a major milestone by the State Government to promote waste separation at source, with the aim of fostering a cleaner and more sustainable environment, adding that the initiative would provide color-coded bins to households and commercial premises to enable residents separate recyclable materials.

Earlier, in his remarks, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in OGWAMA, Mr. Egbemuyiwa Olatunji, highlighted how proper waste segregation could boost sustainable resource utilisation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity, noting how waste could be turned into wealth through effective recycling.

Also speaking, Oloritun of Ijasi, Mr. Raheem Adagojo, commended OGWAMA for its prompt evacuation of refuse across Ijebu-Ode and promising to take the recycling message back to his community.