The Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Seun Ashamu, has urged residents to rethink their fashion habits and adopt sustainable practices to reduce textile waste and safeguard the planet.
Ashamu made the call during the World Clean-Up Day celebration held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan. This year’s theme, “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste Through Circular Fashion,” focused on the environmental impact of the fashion industry and the need for conscious consumption.
According to the Commissioner, the global clean-up exercise served as both a commemorative and educational platform to raise awareness on the dangers of textile pollution.
“The essence of what we are doing today is to commemorate the Clean-up Day and sensitize our people on this year’s theme, which centers on textiles. We can reuse our clothes and fabrics in creative ways to minimize waste in our society,” Ashamu said.
The Commissioner further emphasized the need for collective action between the government and residents to reduce waste generation across Oyo State by minimizing, repurposing, and properly sorting waste at the source. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
He commended UNICEF for its continuous partnership in supporting related initiatives under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to sustain collaboration with development partners and implement proactive policies that promote a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.
Ashamu further appealed to residents to extend the same level of care they show to their personal well-being and homes to the environment.
“My message to the people is that we must take care of our environment just as we take care of our bodies and houses,” he added.
Ashamu reaffirmed the Oyo State Government’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations, promoting responsible waste management, and sanctioning violators of environmental laws.
University Don, Dr. Femi Balogun ably represented in her lecture titled “Tackling Textile Waste Through Circular Economy” while addressing the growing challenge of textile waste through the adoption of a circular economy approach, emphasized that while many people associate waste with plastics and bottles, textiles also contribute significantly to global waste generation.
Citing recent reports, the presenter noted that the average person wears only 20 percent of their clothes 80 percent of the time, resulting in an estimated $460 billion worth of wearable clothing being discarded globally each year.
She said, According to the UN report, about 92 million tons of textile waste are generated worldwide annually, with Nigeria contributing a notable share due to the influx of second-hand clothes and the growing influence of fast fashion platforms like Shein and Temu.
However, the lecture concluded with a call for citizens to embrace circular economy principles such as reuse, recycling, and responsible fashion choices as effective strategies to reduce textile waste and build a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
Also speaking, UNICEF’s Director of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Mr. Monday Johnson, highlighted the significant role of textiles in global pollution.
He emphasized the need for policymakers, institutions, and development partners to collaborate in managing the daily influx of textile waste into the environment. By promoting green policies, supporting small-scale textile recyclers, and educating the public on sustainable fashion choices, the state hopes to transform waste into economic opportunities while contributing to national and global environmental goals.
“When we talk about environmental pollution, textiles are among the major contributors. This year’s World Clean-Up Day reminds us of the growing problem of textile waste and the need to act now,” Johnson noted.
He urged residents to adopt responsible clothing habits by buying only what they need, giving out unused clothes, and reusing materials to reduce environmental degradation.
In his goodwill message, Chairman, House Committee on Environment and Ecology, Hon. Olorunpoto Cephas Rahaman commended the Ministry’s proactive efforts and pledged the Assembly’s continued support toward achieving a cleaner and safer environment.
The fashion and textile industry, identified as one of the largest contributors to pollution, was called upon to embrace circular fashion where creativity aligns with sustainability.
Various speakers on occasion urged industrial leaders, designers, and manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly production methods, encourage clothing reuse, and reduce carbon footprints.
The event also highlighted the role of young people who are redefining fashion by proving that style and sustainability can coexist. Citizens were encouraged to reuse, swap, recycle, and repaint their clothes to minimize waste and protect the environment.
On finality, the commemoration concluded with a call for communities to engage in cleanup drives, set up collection points for used clothes, and support recycling initiatives as part of efforts to achieve a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
The event was graced by dignitaries, including the House Committee on Environment, Hon. Olorunpoto Cephas Rahaman, Iyaloja of Ibadanland, community leaders, environmental stakeholders, and youth groups who pledged to promote sustainable fashion practices across Pacesetter State.
