The Akoko North West Youth Forum (ANWYF) has called on the Ondo State Government and the Akoko North West Local Government Authority to urgently provide a functional refuse evacuation vehicle, lamenting that the absence of such equipment continues to frustrate environmental sanitation efforts across the council area.
The appeal followed a community-wide environmental sanitation exercise organised by the Forum as part of its Youth Forum Week, aimed at promoting a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment in Akoko North West Local Government.
The exercise, which took place at Agbaluku Roundabout and adjoining areas in Arigidi Akoko, attracted youths, community leaders, students, environmental sanitation officials, and other volunteers who participated in clearing blocked drains, cutting overgrown vegetation, removing refuse, and restoring cleanliness to public spaces.
Despite describing the exercise as successful, the Forum expressed concern that the absence of a functional refuse evacuation vehicle has continued to undermine sanitation initiatives. It noted that waste collected during community clean-up exercises often remains at collection points due to the lack of evacuation facilities, creating environmental and public health challenges.
The Forum urged the Ondo State Government, the Akoko North West Local Government Authority, political leaders, and other stakeholders to prioritise the provision of a refuse evacuation vehicle to strengthen waste management and support efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment across communities in the local government.
Speaking after the exercise, ANWYF President, Ademoye Kayode, commended the volunteers, partner organisations, environmental sanitation officials, and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the exercise.
He stressed that environmental cleanliness is a collective responsibility and called on residents to embrace proper sanitation practices to safeguard public health and protect the environment.
Kayode also reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to championing initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, community development, and responsible citizenship through active youth engagement.
