Oyo, UNICEF Lead Campaign on Sustainable Fashion to Combat Textile Waste

Oyo, UNICEF Lead Campaign on Sustainable Fashion to Combat Textile Waste

The Oyo State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting environmental protection and sustainable development through innovative waste management and circular fashion initiatives.

This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barrister Seun Ashamu, during the commemoration of the 2025 World Clean-Up Day held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The event, themed “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste through Circular Fashion,” was organized by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in collaboration with UNICEF.

Ashamu described the global commemoration as a reflection of humanity’s collective resolve to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet. He emphasized the need for Oyo residents to reduce textile waste through reuse and recycling.

“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,” Ashamu stated, warning that the government would sanction anyone who pollutes the environment.

The Commissioner noted that World Clean-Up Day, recognized annually on September 20 by the United Nations General Assembly, highlights that environmental cleanliness and sustainability are shared global responsibilities.

Highlighting the dangers of textile pollution, Ashamu revealed that while the fashion industry fosters creativity and economic growth, it remains one of the most polluting sectors worldwide.

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

He added that under Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership, Oyo State has recorded remarkable progress in waste management, strengthened public-private partnerships, and enforced environmental sanitation laws.

In his goodwill message, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Ecology, and Water Resources, commended the Ministry for its consistent efforts in promoting environmental health and sustainability.

“A clean environment goes beyond what we see; it includes how well our surroundings support healthy living and sustainable development,” he said, pledging continued legislative backing for environmental initiatives.

Also speaking, Mr. Monday Johnson, UNICEF WASH Specialist, linked textile waste to rising environmental pollution and urged responsible consumption.

“Fast fashion contributes massively to waste. Many items are worn once and discarded. We must rethink our habits to protect our planet,” he advised, warning against the burning of textile waste, which releases harmful emissions.

The event featured expert lectures from Dr. Femi Balogun of the University of Ibadan (represented by Dr. Debra Adeyemo), who spoke on “Tackling Textile Waste through Circular Economy,” and Sanitarian Tijani A. Adegoke, President, Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (Oyo Chapter), who presented on “Zero Waste Practices: Leave No Waste Behind.”

Key stakeholders from ministries, agencies, market associations, youth groups, NGOs, and waste management firms attended, pledging continued support for a cleaner and greener Oyo State.

In a related development, the state government also carried out a sweeping and sensitization exercise at Oja-Oba Market, Ibadan, aimed at promoting hygiene and environmental awareness.

Speaking at the market event, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni (mni), represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet, Mr. Olusola Ojelabi, said the exercise was designed to educate traders and residents on the importance of cleanliness.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, explained that the campaign was part of broader efforts to instill hygiene consciousness in citizens. He disclosed that Oyo State had improved its ranking on the Sub-National Climate Governance Index from 34th in 2024 to 7th in 2025, attributing the feat to Governor Makinde’s environmental reforms.

Market leaders, including Alhaja Sikiratu Adebayo Tantoloun (Iyaloja, Bodija Market), Alhaja Ramota (Iyaloja, Eleyele Market), and Prince Akanni Ojo, representative of the Babaloja-General, commended the government’s initiatives and urged traders to embrace recycling opportunities.

“Waste has become wealth globally,” they noted. “Oyo traders must key into this new economy.”