source, THENEWS magazine (october,20110)

Over 20,000 youths volunteer workers in Ogun State under the aegis of “Keep Ogun State Clean” have lamented the unfriendly attitude of the state Commissioner for Environment, Adebayo Fari, who they claim was not supporting their quest to contribute the cleanliness of the state.
The group, which is a subsidiary of the Late Dipo Dina Charity and Humanitarian Organisation, said it does not want money from the government or individuals to clear refuse on the streets in the state but that it is being driven by the need to help make the state clean.
The Director General of the Organisation, Alhaji Hassan Jimoh, said the commissioner who earlier approved the project is now asking the group not to clean up anywhere any longer. Jimoh said : “We are youths in this state under a registered organisation called the “Keep Ogun State Clean”. We are more than 20,000 from the different local government areas in the state. We have bought wheel barrows, rakes, spade and other tools that are useful in keeping the environment clean. Before we started this project, we informed the state ministry of the environment and he gave us approval. I have his letter.
“We have got all the materials we need and have even bought uniforms for all our members. We are not being paid and we do not collect money from anybody.” Hassan said the project was part of the group’s zeal to join hands with the Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s administration to ensure total cleanness of the state and imagined why they will not being encouraged.
He appealed to the antagonists of the project to give them a chance to do their voluntary work. He also appealed to well meaning Nigerians especially indigenes of Ogun State to help provide materials for the organisation to do its work, stating that the project is meant to empower the youths and check unemployment.
Effort to reach the honourable commissioner were not successful.

Motunrayo idris