World Clean-up Day: Oyo, UNICEF Move To Reduce Textile Waste

The Oyo State government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has reaffirmed its commitment to making environmental protection a cornerstone of sustainable development in the state.

Commissioner Barrister Seun Ashamu gave this assurance during the commemoration of the 2025 World Clean-Up Day, held at the House of Chiefs Secretariat in Ibadan.

The event, themed “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste through Circular Fashion,” was organised by the Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF.

Barrister Ashamu described the global celebration as a reflection of humanity’s collective determination to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet. He emphasised the need to sensitise residents of Oyo State on reducing textile waste through reuse and recycling.

He said, “We can repurpose and reuse textiles in creative ways that reduce the volume of waste generated in our society.

“Everyone must treat the environment with the same care and respect we give to our bodies and homes. The government encourages residents to do the right thing and will not hesitate to sanction those who pollute the environment.”

He noted that World Clean-Up Day, recognised annually on September 20 by the United Nations General Assembly, underscores the fact that environmental cleanliness and sustainability are shared global responsibilities.

Highlighting the dangers of textile pollution, Ashamu pointed out that while the global fashion industry drives economic growth and creativity, it remains one of the world’s most polluting sectors.

“The fashion industry contributes about 10 per cent of global carbon emissions and nearly 20 per cent of wastewater production. Every second, one truckload of textiles is either burned or dumped in landfills, releasing microplastics and toxic chemicals into our environment,” he lamented.