….As Hundreds of Youths thronged Ado Ekiti roads on awareness campaign

Ekiti State Government has said it would continue to collaborate with interested non-governmental organizations, individuals and corporate organizations to mitigate the effect of climate change, emphasizing the importance of collective action for sustainable development.

The State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Chief (Mrs.) Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe gave the assurance during an awareness campaign walk in Ado Ekiti tagged “9ja Climate Walk” organized by Sustainable Business Initiative (SBI) for Climate Solutions, a social impact enterprise focused on environmental sustainability, and youth movement for Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking through the Director, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Mr. Akinola Babatunde, the Commissioner noted that Ekiti State, like other subnational in Nigeria and beyond is facing climate change impacts like altered rainfall patterns, increased flooding, and erosion, affecting its agricultural sector and communities reliant on subsistence farming.

She said the State Government is therefore taking steps to address these issues, including exploring technological solutions and promoting climate-smart agriculture.

According to her, Government has invested a considerable amount of money and efforts on climate change since inception of the present administration, adding that the State is not only planting millions of trees to rejuvenate the forests but also constantly checking vehicular emissions and discouraging bush burning amongst others.

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She said “apart from intensive awareness everywhere including faith-based organizations and schools in both rural and urban centres, the State is also particular about proper waste disposal strategy leaning towards recycling which involves prioritizing collection, processing, and repurposing of materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metals, alongside composting and waste reduction initiatives, to minimize landfill reliance and environmental impact”.

Describing the fourth position ranking of the State in the first ever report on Climate Governance Performance of the 36 States in Nigeria as a recognition of the efforts and achievements of Ekiti in climate action and efforts at promoting climate awareness at the subnational level and the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration to maintaining sustainable practices aimed at steering social systems towards preventing, mitigating or adapting to the risks posed by climate change, Mrs. Aluko-Ajisafe assured that the State would continue to promote national and global environmental goals and strive towards helping Nigeria to meet the 2030 climate targets.

In her remarks, Member of the State House of Assembly representing Ilejemeje, Hon. Iyabode Fakunle – Okieimen pledged the continued support of the State legislature for efforts at achieving sustainable environment.

Describing the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye and other distinguished members of the 7th Assembly as committed to environmental sustainability, Hon. Fakunle – Okieimen said the Assembly prioritizes responsible resource management and ecological balance to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.

She therefore advised all stakeholders, particularly youth organizations to contact the House of Assembly on issues that may need legal backing and require legislative attention to enact as law.

The Convener of the awareness walk, Mr. Ojuoluwa Oluwatobiloba stressed the need for Nigerian youths to be part of the process to stop climate change and its attendant negative impact on the country.

Ojuoluwa emphasized that indiscriminate dumping of refuse, incessant falling of trees without replacement, burning of bushes, emission of gas from factories, indiscriminate sinking of boreholes, among others contributed to current rapid climate change.

In his own remarks, the Executive Director of SBI Climate Solutions, Mr. Adebisi Adeyemi explained that arrangements are almost concluded with the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority to train indigenous youths on how to make money through innovative waste management, up cycling and other climate adaptation strategies in collaboration.

“The focus is to imbibe the culture of innovative waste management on the youths for them to make money while striving for sustainable development, clean environment and safer future”, he said.

Hundreds of Youths had thronged the road from Oke-Iyinmi in Ado Ekiti to Fajuyi motor park with placards, flyers and other sensitization materials in the awareness walk organized by 9ja Climate work to sensitize residents on proper disposal and management of wastes for Sustainable future.