Oyo Govt Moves Against Plastic Pollution, Illegal Tree Felling

…As Commissioner unveils activities for World Environment Week, advocates afforestation and waste segregation

…Govt to equip public vehicles with waste bins, promote environmental education in schools

The Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engr. Ademola Aderinto, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, forest conservation, climate action, and waste management as activities marking the 2026 World Environment Week commenced across the state.

Speaking during a press conference to officially flag off the week-long celebration themed “Inspired by Nature for Climate and Our Future,” Aderinto emphasized the critical role of tree planting in combating climate change and preserving the environment for future generations.

The commissioner described himself as a passionate advocate for afforestation, recalling a personal experience that reinforced the ministry’s determination to ensure the survival of planted trees.According to him, he recently revisited a school where trees had been planted years ago, only to discover that they had not survived.

“It was painful for me because it was the first time I had returned to a place where I participated in tree planting and found that the trees were no longer there,” he said.

He stressed that the ministry remains strongly opposed to indiscriminate tree felling and is implementing strict regulations governing timber harvesting activities across the state.

“We recognize the importance of the timber industry, but there are standards and procedures that must be followed. Whenever trees are removed, efforts are being made to ensure they are restored or replanted,” he stated.

Aderinto disclosed that the ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen climate-smart agriculture and forestry initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.

Addressing concerns over indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly by commuters and commercial vehicle operators, the commissioner announced plans to strengthen collaboration with the Oyo State Internal Revenue Service and transport management authorities.

He revealed that the government would ensure that public transport vehicles are equipped with waste bins and would also promote waste segregation by providing dedicated receptacles for recyclable materials such as plastics.

According to him, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to tackle plastic pollution, which he described as one of the major environmental challenges confronting the state.

A major highlight of the 2026 World Environment Week celebration will be extensive environmental education and sensitization programmes targeted at students across selected schools in Oyo State.

The commissioner disclosed that the ministry would revive its Clean and Green Club initiative while introducing practical environmental training programmes in schools.

Rather than organizing large-scale general seminars, he explained that the ministry would adopt a hands-on approach by visiting schools individually to provide practical environmental education.

The schools scheduled for the programme include St. Louis Grammar School, Loyola College, and Bishop Phillips Academy, all located in Ibadan.

“We want to move beyond sensitization to actual training because telling people what to do without teaching them how to do it may not produce the desired results,” he said.

Week-Long Activities to Culminate on World Environment DayAderinto explained that activities marking the celebration began with community outreach programmes held on Saturday across several communities in the state.

The outreach featured environmental advocacy campaigns, public enlightenment sessions, waste segregation demonstrations, distribution of educational materials, and tree-planting exercises.

Religious organizations were also engaged on Sunday to help promote environmental awareness among their members.

The commissioner noted that the grand finale of the event would hold on Friday, June 5, in commemoration of World Environment Day 2026.

Activities lined up for the day include the commissioning of a new public toilet facility as part of efforts to eliminate open defecation, tree-planting exercises, environmental sustainability demonstrations, and recognition awards for individuals and organizations contributing significantly to environmental protection in the state.

He disclosed that while the government is preparing to launch an ambitious one-million-tree planting initiative, logistical arrangements are still being finalized.

However, the administration has confirmed plans to commence the planting of 10,000 trees during the celebration.

Through Infrastructure and Behavioural ChangeSpeaking on the state’s efforts to end open defecation, Aderinto emphasized that infrastructure alone would not solve the challenge.

According to him, cultural beliefs and long-standing behavioural practices remain major obstacles to achieving the desired results.

While noting that the government has partnered with private stakeholders to provide accessible public toilet facilities, he stressed the importance of continuous public education and behavioural change campaigns.”You can build toilets, but if people do not change their habits, they may still refuse to use them,” he explained.

The commissioner reiterated the government’s belief that environmental sustainability can only be achieved through continuous investment in young people.

He noted that school sensitization programmes would run from June 2 to June 4 as part of efforts to prepare future generations to become environmentally responsible citizens.

“The child you fail to prepare today is the adult you may need to repair tomorrow,” he said.On forest conservation and security, Aderinto revealed that Oyo State has forest guards responsible for protecting forest reserves from illegal activities.

However, he acknowledged that forest guards may require additional support in addressing emerging security threats such as banditry and other criminal activities.

He disclosed that various security agencies, including the police and other government security formations, have been collaborating with forest guards to improve forest security.

The commissioner also welcomed recent federal government efforts to deploy additional forest guards across the region, expressing optimism that the move would further strengthen the protection of forest resources.

He urged residents to actively participate in environmental protection efforts, stressing that preserving nature remains critical to combating climate change, improving public health, and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.