Ogun Assembly Begins Debate On Establishment Of Farmers Club In Schools As Bill To Regulate Scavengers' Activities Scales Second Reading

Ogun State House of Assembly has started considering a bill seeking to  establish young farmers club at basic and senior secondary schools in the State and other related matters which sailed through first reading on the floor of the Assembly, just as another bill seeking to regulate the activities of scavengers and waste dealers in Ogun State, so as to promote public order, environmental safety and peaceful co-existence scaled through second reading 

The Clerk/ Head of Legislative Service, Mr. Sakiru Adebakin took the first reading on the bill for establishment of Farmers club, before the State lawmakers during the plenary held on Tuesday 

On the issue of Scavengers, Hon. ( Dr.) Babatunde Tella, who sponsored the bill,

opened debate on the desirability of the bill  titled: "H.B. No. 020/ OG/ 2025 - Scavengers and Waste Dealers Regulation Law, 2025", shortly after moving a motion for its second reading, and was seconded by Hon. Samsideen Lawal before receiving the support of  all the lawmakers.

Hon. Tella noted that the legislation was aimed at addressing the growing concerns regarding the activities of scavengers and waste dealers in  the State.

He explained that the bill became imperative given the security concerns the activities of the scavengers had continued to generate in recent times; saying when operational, the legislation would promote public order by regulating scavenging activities to specific hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and prohibiting operations on Sundays.

The lawmaker added that the proposed law would empower communities in restricting scavenger operations in their areas, ensuring transactions occur outside restricted zones; while promoting accountability by mandating the registration of all scavengers with the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with law enforcement and community leaders.

According to the Sponsor, it would enhance safety by fostering collaboration between scavenger task forces and community task forces;  while discouraging unlawful enforcement or jungle justice.

He added that the proposed law would protect the environment by creating a structured and monitored framework for waste recycling and disposal; just as it would propose penalties for violations, ensure lawful enforcement, tasking the Ministry of Environment with monitoring and sensitizing stakeholders on compliance.

The sponsor of the bill stated that when passed, it would set a benchmark for environmental safety, community harmony, and sustainable waste management practices, urging his co-lawmakers to support its passage to safeguard the communities and environment.

Other lawmakers who spoke in favour of the bill including Honourables  Samsideen Lawal, Adebisi Oyedele, Adeyanju Adegoke, Damilola Soneye, Olusegun Kaka Odunuga and Waliu Owode explained that it was important to streamline the activities of scavengers in the State to enhance security of lives and property, saying the menace being constituted by the scavengers was fast becoming a national concern.

They added that bill would ensure clear identification of scavengers in any community through designated uniform, reduce incidents burglary and theft including Kidnapping and other associated vices and prevent jungle justice within communities in the State.

Speaker of the house, Right Honourable  Oludaisi Elemide in his response , commended his colleague-lawmakers for their robust contributions to the debate 

He noted that the scavengers' activities had become a national menace that needed to be confronted headlong, so as to prevent cases of outright burglary/ robbery and damage to public infrastructure by the scavengers. 

He later committed the bill to the House Committee on Environment for further legislative work.

The Assembly also observed a minute silence in honour of the late Alaperu of Iperu- Remo, Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu- Basibo, while commiserating with the the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the State Traditional Council and the family and people of Iperu on the  demise of the monarch.

The condolence came shortly under personal explanation, when a member representing Ikenne State Constituency, Hon. Olakunle Sobukanla formally reported the demise of the monarch today at the plenary.