We sensitise the youth on their role in keeping Nigerian environment clean – Peter

Oluwapelumi Ojo Peter is a Lead City University graduate and a Master’s candidate in Circular Bioeconomy at Rome Business School. He brings rare agility to both public service and enterprise. As Senior Special Assistant on Sanitation to the Osun State Governor, he has driven large-scale environmental campaigns across cities like Osogbo and Ile-Ife, marrying policy with grassroots action. From campaign strategy to civic reform, Ojo believes in community as the engine of real change. In this interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, he spoke on the power of youth in shaping Nigeria’s development agenda. Excerpts:

Can you briefly tell us about your role as the senior special assistant on sanitation to the Osun State Governor?

My role as senior special assistant on sanitation to the Governor of Osun State entails that I assist the Governor in managing the affairs of the Osun Waste Management Agency in executing their tasks in the state, the major goal of which is to ensure there is a running system that keeps the state clean. This has seen me, spearhead initiatives like the “Keep Osun clean campaign,’’ “community clean up challenge” “the environmental sustainability pitch,” amongst others and this has been rewarded by a couple of awards such as the African Sustainability Award by the African Clean up Initiative, award for distinguished service by the Kairos Graduating class of Adeleke University, Award of Honour by the National Association of Environmental Health Science Students of Nigeria; Kwara State University chapter, amongst others.

What inspired your interest in public sanitation and youth engagement?

My interest in public sanitation started from secondary school, where we were instilled with the values of cleanliness. It was a rule that you must not pass by a piece of paper. Also, we engaged in community service where we would clean up drainages amongst other things.

In your opinion, how critical is the role of young people in shaping Nigeria’s national development agenda?

The role of young people in shaping Nigerian national development will determine the future of our dear country. the youth needs to be more involved in the governance of their local community that is where it starts from the act of volunteering should not be eroded. Nigeria is you and I, and what we reflected it to be, everything you do as a youth as a corresponding ministry government.

What specific contributions have youths in Osun State made towards sanitation and environmental health?

The youths in Osun have been very supportive. The first keep Osun clean campaign in the present administration was with the national association of Osun state students. Also, there was a sensitization/public health drive by a youth led NGO; the blue-sky brigade team which had over 100 volunteers. The best scrap art museum in the world is dominated by youths in city of Ife. However more can be done, when all bodies come together with solutions rather than flaunt problems.

How does your office integrate youth energy and creativity into state-wide sanitation initiatives?

From my previous response, my office has been working hand in hand with the youths.

Is there any existing government policy or programme in Osun State designed to empower youths in environmental or developmental roles?

We have initiatives that encourage youths in becoming environmental stewards. The keep Osun Clean, The Community Clean Up challenge, The Environmental Sustainability Pitch.

Can you share any success story of youth-led sanitation or community development initiatives supported by your office?

From my office I supported the Climate Health Drive hosted by the Blue-Sky brigade which was aired on national television by Arise News Also, there was a pitch by students of Bowen University on Environmental sustainability of which the winners were gifted a cash prize and internship positions to spearhead their vision.

What major challenges do you face in mobilising youths for sanitation and civic development efforts?

The major challenge in mobilizing youths is that there is a burden culture that youths perceive that sanitation is the responsibility of the government whereas it’s a collective responsibility of the entire citizens. To make this more emphatic the youths represent the agile population of our society hence their strength can be channeled towards positive driven initiatives such as keeping Osun clean.

How can these challenges be addressed, especially in terms of policy, funding or public awareness?

To address the challenge, we are spearheading a creative model of engagement and reward systems that will see youths get gifts in exchange for recyclables, also there will be waste exhibitions at cultural festivals in the state, to showcase to residents the value of waste.

Are you working with schools, youth organisations or tech platforms to promote sanitation awareness; if so, how is the collaboration?

We are in talks with private bodies that can help in digitalising our waste collection system. My office has worked with an NGO mentioned earlier and we are open to collaboration.

What role do innovation and digital tools play in engaging youths in your sanitation agenda?

A lot of innovation is evident with the upcycling of waste materials, In the city of Ile-Ife, Osun state we see waste being modelled into amazing monuments in the scrap art museum founded by Mr. Dotun Popoola. This museum has been visited by a number of youths some of them are interested in getting engaged in the venture.

How do you link local efforts like your contribution to Nigeria’s overall development goals particularly SDGs like clean water and sanitation (Goal 6)?

The achievement of the SDG is a collective and collaborative effort. My initiatives have brought an awareness to residents of the state on the importance of keeping a clean environment which is needed to attain the SDG 6.

What are your long-term plans to ensure youth involvement is sustained and impactful beyond the political cycles?

I have a team that will be modeled into a club, to get young minds birth solutions for societal problems. It is sad that in Nigeria, we talk more about problems rather than solutions. Every nation has its own problem however what stands a great nation is the solution it creates. We see the birth of electric cars in china, a model that helps to combat climate change. The youths of our dear nation can also come up with solutions that will enact a global change.

What has been your most rewarding experience working with young people on sanitation-related projects?

Every experience with young folks has been super rewarding. The energy they bring in is simply amazing.

What advice would you give to Nigerian youth who wants to play a more active role in national development, especially in environmental sustainablity?

Start where you are and don’t be shy to approach the ministry for collaborations. Ministries are looking for solutions.

What policies or programmes are currently in place to support youth development and engagement in nation-building?

Osun state recently had a creative conference that saw a number of creatives get funding and mentorship from established individuals in their industry. The government is in to empower the youths by giving them the required platform to showcase their ingenuity.

How would you assess the level of inclusion in youth policy making and governance at the local, state, national levels?

Student bodies and national youth bodies are always carried along in whatever policies being set up by the state. The youth are major stakeholders in Osun state government and it will interest you to know that the majority of the legislatures in the state house of assembly are youths. Most policies set up are done for our collective benefit.

Are there specific areas where you think the government has failed to adequately engage young people?

Known to me there are no specific areas in Osun state Government. However, nationally, I want to encourage the federal government to stir up more awareness on the importance of policies they make and also amplify publicity on youth-focused initiatives.