By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

The Managing Director of the Ogun State Waste Management Agency (OGWAMA), Mr. Abayomi Hunye, has described a recent protest against the agency as a deliberate attempt to distract it from its mandate of ensuring a clean and healthy environment in Ogun State.

Hunye stated this in a reaction issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday, following a demonstration by a group of individuals who claimed to be members of a Waste Vendors’ Association and levelled allegations against the management of the agency. He insisted that the claims were baseless and did not reflect the realities within OGWAMA.

According to him, the agency remains focused on strengthening waste collection, improving sanitation standards, and enforcing environmental regulations across the state, in line with the policy direction of the Ogun State Government.

“We will not allow any form of distraction or blackmail to derail our mission,” Hunye said. “OGWAMA is committed to maintaining global best practices in waste management, and we will not compromise standards under any circumstance.”

During a media parly held on Thursday at the Ogun State NUJ Secretariat, Hunye explained that the agency operates within the framework of the law and engages only with duly registered and compliant vendors, noting that anyone parading themselves without proper authorization should not expect concessions.

He further warned that OGWAMA would continue to clamp down on illegal waste operators and unhygienic practices that pose risks to public health.

“Our responsibility is to the people of Ogun State, not to faceless groups with ulterior motives. We will continue to do what is right to protect the environment and the wellbeing of our citizens,” he added.

Hunye urged residents to remain supportive of the agency’s efforts and to cooperate with sanitation officials, assuring them that OGWAMA would sustain its drive towards a cleaner and safer Ogun State.