- By Monsurat Aina, Abeokuta
As part of its drive to foster a cleaner, more sustainable environment, the Ogun State Government has launched two key initiatives, “Plastic for Cash” and the “Blue Box Programme”, aimed at tackling plastic pollution and promoting a circular economy.
The announcement was made by the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, during the 2025 World Environment Day celebration held at the Olowu of Owu Palace, in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The twin initiatives are designed to encourage environmental responsibility through community participation, incentivized recycling and structured waste management.
Turning Waste into Wealth:
Explaining the concept behind the “Plastic for Cash initiative”, Mr. Oresanya said it is a reward-based programme that encourages citizens to embrace recycling and responsible waste disposal by offering monetary incentives for collected plastic waste.
The “Blue Box Programme”, he noted, will introduce a house-to-house waste segregation system.
This will empower households to separate recyclables from organic and general waste at the point of generation, improving collection efficiency, boosting recycling rates and reducing the burden on landfills.
“These initiatives form the cornerstone of the government’s waste-to-wealth strategy,” the commissioner said.
“Our goal is to mainstream environmental responsibility and drive climate-smart urban development in Ogun State.”
Nigeria’s Plastic Crisis:
Oresanya emphasized the urgency of addressing plastic pollution, calling it a global crisis that is choking water bodies, contaminating land and infiltrating the food chain.
He cited data showing that Nigeria produces over 35 million metric tons of waste annually, with Ogun State alone contributing over 1.6 million tons.
The commissioner stressed that the state’s efforts are part of a larger vision to tackle this crisis holistically.
“Beating plastic pollution is not a one-day event,” he said.
“It requires a lifestyle shift, consistent policy enforcement, and collective responsibility from both citizens and institutions”.
He called on residents, businesses and other stakeholders to embrace recycling, reuse and environmental accountability for the sake of future generations.
First Lady, Royal Support:
In her remarks, First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, commended the Ministry of Environment for its dedication to safeguarding the ecosystem and promoting sustainability.
She pledged her office’s full support for the new initiatives, noting that the fight against plastic pollution aligns with broader health, environmental and economic goals.
Also speaking at the event, the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, encouraged residents to view waste not as a nuisance but as an economic opportunity.
“We must begin to turn waste into wealth. Waste can become a viable business and a sustainable means of livelihood,” he stated.
