The Ekiti State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and climate action through sustained policies and programmes aimed at building a clean, safe, healthy and sustainable environment.

The State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Chief (Mrs) Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko, stated this in Ado-Ekiti during the commemoration of the 2026 World Environment Day.

Ajisafe-Aluko said the state government remained committed to tackling climate change through strategic partnerships, environmental policies and community engagement.

“In Ekiti State, we know that climate action is urgent and necessary. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources remains committed to building a sustainable environment through policies, partnerships and community engagement,” she said.

Speaking on the theme of the 2026 World Environment Day “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” the commissioner said nature holds the key to addressing climate change and securing a sustainable future.

She noted that climate change had become a present reality, evident in rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, flooding, land degradation, biodiversity loss and increasing health challenges.

According to her, the consequences of these environmental challenges pose serious threats to food security, public health, livelihoods and the well-being of future generations.

Ajisafe-Aluko said the ministry had implemented several initiatives to promote environmental sustainability, including climate change awareness campaigns, improved waste management, afforestation programmes and enforcement of environmental laws.

She added that the government had deployed waste collection trucks, placed waste bins at strategic locations and intensified the monitoring of industries, construction sites and public spaces.

The commissioner stressed that practical solutions to environmental challenges include tree planting, adoption of clean energy, proper waste management, water conservation and sustainable farming practices.

She, however, said government efforts alone would not be sufficient to achieve lasting environmental sustainability.

Ajisafe-Aluko therefore called on traditional rulers, schools, youths, women groups, the private sector, the media and residents to actively support environmental protection efforts.

She urged residents to become environmental ambassadors by keeping their surroundings clean, planting trees, managing waste responsibly and reducing pollution.

The commissioner also encouraged young people to take the lead in environmental advocacy, describing them as critical stakeholders in building a greener future.

In a keynote address, Prof. Wole Adebayo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University and Professor of Geography and Regional Planning, identified deforestation, urbanisation and pollution as major causes of environmental degradation.

Adebayo advocated policies that promote tree planting, sustainable agricultural practices and efficient waste management systems.

In their goodwill messages, the State Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; and Chairperson, Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Hon. Iyabo Fakunle-Okieme, commended the Ministry for organising the event.

They pledged continued support for awareness campaigns and efforts aimed at combating environmental pollution and degradation across the state.

Earlier, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in collaboration with stakeholders, conducted street sensitisation campaigns across Ado-Ekiti to educate residents on environmental protection and sustainable living practices.