The Ekiti State Government has called on residents to take greater responsibility for protecting the environment by maintaining clean surroundings, reducing pollution, planting trees, and adopting proper waste management practices.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Chief Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, made the call on Thursday during the commemoration of the 2026 World Environment Day in Ado-Ekiti.
She stressed that safeguarding the environment requires the active participation of all citizens, noting that government efforts alone would not be sufficient to address growing environmental challenges.
According to the commissioner, every resident has a role to play in ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment.
She urged citizens to see themselves as environmental ambassadors and embrace practices that promote sustainability and environmental conservation.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future,” Aluko-Ajisafe described nature as a critical ally in tackling climate change and securing a sustainable future.
She warned that rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, flooding, land degradation, biodiversity loss, health concerns, and food contamination remain major threats confronting society.
The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to building a clean, safe, healthy, and sustainable environment through proactive policies and programmes.
She highlighted ongoing government interventions, including climate change awareness campaigns, deployment of waste evacuation trucks, provision of waste bins in strategic locations, and initiatives aimed at protecting biodiversity across the state.
Delivering a lecture at the event, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University and Professor of Geography and Regional Planning, Prof. Wole Adebayo, attributed much of the environmental degradation witnessed today to human activities such as deforestation, indiscriminate waste disposal, and rapid urbanisation.
He advocated increased tree planting, environmentally friendly agricultural practices, and efficient waste collection systems as practical solutions to environmental pollution.
In their goodwill messages, the Head of Service, Dr Folake Olomojobi; Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun; Chairperson of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Hon. Iyabo Fakunle-Okieme; and other stakeholders pledged to intensify public sensitisation efforts aimed at combating environmental degradation and promoting sustainable environmental practices.
As part of activities marking the celebration, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, organised a sensitisation walk across major parts of Ado-Ekiti to educate residents on environmental conservation and the importance of adopting eco-friendly habits.
