As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, the Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Osun State Directorate, Mr. Adebiyi, Adefarasin Stephen, has felicitated government and the people of Osun State and Nigerians at large.
In his Independence message, Mr. Adebiyi said the anniversary offers an opportunity for sober reflection, renewed patriotism and collective commitment to a nation building. He urged citizens to uphold unity, peace, tolerance and civic responsibility for national development.
The NOA boss commended the Osun State Government for inaugurating the Special Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation chaired by the Head of Service, Mr. Samuel Ayanleye Aina, describing it as a timely intervention to curb indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads, road medians and drains.
Adebiyi said the NOA, Osun Directorate will collaborate with the state government and the taskforce to sustain public sensitisation on proper waste disposal, clearing of drainage channels and the dangers of building on waterways.
He called on residents to support government efforts by adopting responsible environmental practices.
Mr. Adebiyi, Adefarasin also commiserated with residents and business owners affected by recent flooding in Oke-Ijetu, Fountain University axis, Ilesa Garage, Koka-Ijesa, Ogo-Oluwa and other parts of the state.
He appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to urgently assess the affected communities and provide relief materials to victims to ameliorate their hardship.
He advised residents in flood-prone areas to heed early warnings, avoid dumping refuse in drains and desist from erecting structures on waterways.
He wished all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence celebration.