Oyo Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Environment on Earth Day
…Launches plastic reduction drive, urges residents to adopt responsible waste practices
The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and sustainable environment for residents across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Ademola Aderinto, made this known on Wednesday in Ibadan during a press conference marking the 2026 World Earth Day.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” Aderinto emphasized the shared responsibility of environmental protection, noting that safeguarding the planet requires collective action from individuals, communities, institutions, and government.
“The power to preserve our environment does not rest on government alone, but on every member of society,” he said.
He disclosed that the state had lined up activities under the banner “Walk for the Planet,” scheduled to run from Wednesday through Saturday as part of the Earth Day celebrations.
Aderinto highlighted pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, describing them as major threats to public health and sustainable development globally. He added that these issues are also evident locally through rising waste generation, plastic pollution, indiscriminate waste disposal, and the impact of rapid urbanisation.
According to the commissioner, the government has intensified environmental sanitation enforcement in line with state laws, while also expanding public awareness campaigns to encourage responsible environmental practices.
He further revealed that the Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the NGO For Nature and Future Eci-Green Initiatives (FONAFEGI), has launched the “Oyo Plastic Drive” aimed at reducing plastic waste, promoting recycling, and advancing circular economy practices within the state.
Aderinto urged residents to adopt proper waste management habits, reduce reliance on single-use plastics, avoid indiscriminate dumping, and actively participate in environmental sanitation programmes.
He also called on citizens to renew their commitment to protecting the environment for both present and future generations.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Director of FONAFEGI, Mr. Elijah Adejimi, stressed that World Earth Day highlights the importance of collective human responsibility in sustaining the planet.
He encouraged individuals to take proactive steps such as tree planting and other environmentally friendly activities to combat climate change.
The event concluded with a symbolic tree-planting exercise led by the commissioner alongside partners within the ministry premises.
