By By Ademola Ajao
IBADAN – The Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engr. Dr Ademola Aderinto, has called on residents of the state to join his ministry in the collective journey to restore Mother Earth to her natural form.
The appeal came during a press briefing and tree planting event to mark World Earth Day, themed “Our Power Our Planet”, organised by the ministry on Wednesday at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Dr Aderinto explained that environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss continue to pose serious threats to human health and sustainable development worldwide.
He noted that in Oyo State, these global concerns manifest as increasing waste generation, plastic pollution, indiscriminate dumping, and the pressures of rapid urbanisation.
“These challenges require deliberate, coordinated, and sustained interventions,” he said.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment under Governor Seyi Makinde to a clean and sustainable environment.
“Oyo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, remains firmly committed to ensuring a clean, safe, and sustainable environment for all,” Dr Aderinto stated.
“In line with this commitment, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has strengthened environmental sanitation enforcement in accordance with the Environmental Sanitation and Waste Control Regulations, 2013. We have intensified inspections of regulated facilities such as markets, eateries, hotels, and industries while also implementing a decentralised waste management system to improve service delivery across all local government areas. In addition, we have expanded environmental awareness campaigns to promote responsible behaviour and public participation.”
He further highlighted proactive measures ahead of the rainy season.
“As part of our proactive environmental management strategy, the ministry has also intensified the desilting of drainage channels across the metropolis to ensure free flow of stormwater and prevent blockages that often result in flooding. In anticipation of the rainy season, we have activated flooding alert and preparedness measures, including early warning sensitisation to residents in flood-prone areas and continuous monitoring of drainage infrastructure. These efforts are aimed at minimising the risks of flood incidents and safeguarding lives and property.”
On pollution control, Dr Aderinto added: “The ministry has also strengthened its pollution monitoring and control systems, particularly in the area of air quality management. Routine monitoring of ambient air quality levels is being conducted across strategic locations to assess pollutants such as particulate matter and gaseous emissions, with a view to protecting public health and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. This is complemented by stricter enforcement on facilities contributing to environmental pollution.”
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Adejetumobi, delivered a goodwill message, observing that changing weather patterns and rising temperatures signal a shifting climate.
“Times are changing from extreme pits, weather conditions, and rising temperatures. From this sequence, we can see that times are changing. This reminds us of one thing: indeed, the climate is changing,” she said.
“For us as we celebrate today, part of the activities is environmental sustainability. We need to create awareness of deforestation, tree planting, gardening, and taking care of our waste. People burn refuse and cause a lot of air pollution, and it comes down with a lot of health-related conditions. So this is a clarion call to all of us to come together and work as a team to make our planet more comfortable for everyone to live.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the founder and executive director of Nature And Future Eco-Green Initiative, Mr Elijah Adejimi, said the theme “Our Power Our Planet” speaks to the need to harness all human resources and responsibilities to sustain the planet.
“On this day we have collaborated with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, through the support we got from our partners such as Wema Bank, Oyo State Health Insurance Agency and 32FM,” he said.
“We are calling on everyone to begin to take responsible stewardship of what nature has given to us. This initiative is driving tree planting, not just at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources but across Ibadan and Oyo State.”
What's your reaction?
