Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has called for renewed commitment to environmentally friendly practices aimed at strengthening climate resilience and sustainability.
She made the call in Ado-Ekiti during a road walk sensitisation held to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Climate Change.
Chief Afuye, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Adeleke Adefolaju, warned that indiscriminate dumping of waste threatens human and animal existence and has grave implications for agriculture and livelihood.
“The future of the nation depends on positive actions towards the environment.” She explained.
The Head of Service, Dr. Folake Olomojobi, who planted trees along major roads in the state capital as part of the commemoration, advocated afforestation and an end to indiscriminate waste disposal to ensure a safe environment for all.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Omoya, called on non-governmental organisations and development partners to support climate action by monitoring environmental practices and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Omoya said the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Climate Action for a Sustainable and Resilient Future,” is apt as society is confronted with rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, flooding, drought, rising sea levels, biodiversity loss and disruption to agricultural productivity.
He disclosed that in line with government policies, the ministry has embarked on tree planting along major streets, at the State Secretariat, in selected primary and secondary schools, and in some health facilities.
Delivering a lecture, Prof. Johnson Olatunji of the Department of Geography and Planning Science, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, listed measures to mitigate climate change to include adoption of solar energy, tree planting, waste-to-wealth initiatives, climate-smart agricultural practices and use of natural materials such as bamboo for building construction.
In their goodwill messages, the General Manager, Ekiti State Environmental Protection Agency SEPA, Mr. Francis Adumo; Chairman, Nigeria Environmental Society, Mr. Moses Otugboyega; and Mrs. Seyi Ebenezer, among others, called for concerted efforts against practices inimical to environmental sustainability.
The event attracted top government functionaries, including the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Mr. Tony-Kehinde Adaramodu, and the Director, climate change Mr Peter Akinola, the Director Environmental Health and Sanitation, Mr. Ayodele Aluko as well as other Directors from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
