The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has trained over 100 residents to serve as environmental whistleblowers under the Oyo Soro Soke Sita (OYO SSS), a surveillance scheme designed to strengthen environmental law enforcement across the state.
Speaking during the training programme held on Friday at the Ministry’s Conference Room, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Ademola Aderinto, said the initiative was designed to engage citizens in protecting the environment while creating a self-employment opportunity.
The Commissioner who spoke through Director, Planning, Research, and Statistics, Mrs Abimbola Akinbobola,
explained that participants are expected to monitor their surroundings and report individuals or organisations violating environmental laws in the state.
He emphasised that the whistleblowers are not enforcement officers and therefore should not confront or apprehend offenders.
According to him, their responsibility is to discreetly capture photographic or video evidence of environmental violations and forward such reports through the appropriate channels.
He further noted that once the reports are verified, the information will be relayed to the nearest environmental enforcement team for necessary action.
He added that whistleblowers will receive commissions for credible reports that lead to the prosecution and fining of offenders.
The Commissioner assured participants that the commissions would be paid directly into their registered bank accounts without any stress once the enforcement process is completed.
He explained that the training forms part of the Oyo State Government’s broader efforts to strengthen environmental compliance, encourage citizen participation, and ensure a cleaner and saner environment for all residents of the state.
