IILG Clears 60-Year-Old Refuse Heap in Igede, Residents Rejoice.

IILG Clears 60-Year-Old Refuse Heap in Igede, Residents Rejoice.

By Asubiojo G.O.

The Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government (IILG) has commenced the long-awaited evacuation of a refuse heap that stood at Odo Igede for over six decades, in a move described as both historic and health-saving by residents and officials alike.

According to the family hosting the dump, the refuse pile has remained in the community for more than 60 years. The evacuation exercise, now in its second day, has seen two Mark trucks deployed since Wednesday. So far, 16 full loads of refuse have been carted away, yet less than one-third of the job has been completed.

“This evacuation has been on my desk since April last year. I thank God for the eventual execution,” said Mrs. Kehinde Akode, Director of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) department, who spearheaded the clearing initiative. “It’s a call to action. Communities facing similar environmental hazards should send a Bill of Quantity to the Chairman for immediate attention,” she added.

The health and environmental implications of the long-standing refuse heap had long been a source of concern. Local chiefs and residents of Odo Igede say the site posed a serious threat to public health, with frequent outbreaks of malaria and waterborne diseases, foul odour, and blocked water channels.

“It has been a nightmare,” said Chief Joseph Ajayi, a community elder. “Our children fall sick often. We thank the council and the state government for finally coming to our aid.”

In his reaction, the Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, lauded the commitment of his administration and the collaborative efforts of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s government.

“This is a testament to our resolve to prioritize the health and wellbeing of our people. The governor has made the environment a major focus, and we’re doing our part at the grassroots,” the chairman said.

Hon. Oluwagbenga, whose administration has recorded significant achievements across sectors, has been particularly lauded for his strides in agriculture—planting yams and maize, and establishing a sustainable livestock initiative with pigs and poultry. His focus on food security has created employment and boosted local productivity.

Beyond agriculture, the Chairman has overseen the installation and repair of boreholes across the LG, ensuring access to clean water for both urban and rural residents. Under his leadership, the well-being of local government workers and citizens has remained a top priority, with steady improvements in welfare, infrastructure, and service delivery.

Security in the local government has also received a facelift under his watch. Renovation of the police post and the customary court in Igede-Ekiti has uplifted law enforcement morale and reinforced community trust. His efforts have contributed to the maintenance of absolute peace and coexistence across the local government area.

Mrs. Akinbobola Deborah-B, the newly appointed Head of Local Administration (HLA), described the refuse evacuation as “a glorious feat” and a demonstration of synergy between departments and the administration’s renewed focus on environmental rehabilitation.

Also commenting, Mrs. Olanrewaju, Director of the Environmental Department, expressed satisfaction at the pace and scale of the exercise. “We are not only clearing waste; we are restoring dignity and cleanliness to the community.”

Mr. G.O. Asubiojo, Director of Information and Civil Orientation, emphasized the importance of community involvement. “This should be a wake-up call for all communities. Environmental sanitation is everyone’s responsibility.”

Residents of Odo Igede are optimistic that the clearing exercise will usher in a new era of better health, sanitation, and community development. Many expressed hopes that the site, once cleared, would be transformed into a recreational or public-use space.

“This is just the beginning,” said Mrs. Akode. “We will not stop until our local government is clean and safe for all.”