The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has commemorated World Earth Day 2026 with a series of impactful initiatives aimed at promoting a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment.
Speaking at the press conference, the Honourable Commissioner, Engr. Dr. Ademola Aderinto, emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” noting that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility requiring collective action from government, communities, and individuals.
As part of activities to celebrate World Earth Day, the Ministry, in collaboration with For Nature and Future Eco-Green Initiatives (FONAFEGI), conducted a symbolic tree planting exercise during which 100 trees were planted to promote climate action and environmental sustainability.
The Commissioner described tree planting as a critical step toward improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions, preventing soil erosion, and preserving biodiversity.
He further called on residents, organizations, and private sector stakeholders to partner with the Ministry in planting more trees across the State, stressing that sustained collaboration is essential to achieving long-term environmental goals.
Additionally, the World Earth Day celebration features a structured programme tagged “Walk for the Planet,” scheduled from April 22 to April 25, 2026, designed to mobilize grassroots participation and deepen environmental awareness statewide.
The Commissioner also outlined key measures undertaken by the Ministry, including strengthened environmental sanitation enforcement, intensified inspection of markets, eateries, hotels, and industries, and the implementation of a decentralized waste management system across all local government areas.
The Commissioner urged all residents of Oyo State to embrace proper waste management practices, avoid indiscriminate dumping, reduce reliance on single-use plastics, and actively participate in environmental sustainability programmes.
He also commended members of the media and development partners for their continued support in promoting environmental awareness.
The Commissioner stated that as World Earth Day is commemorated, there is a need to renew collective commitment to protecting the environment for present and future generations, noting that the actions taken today will determine the quality of life tomorrow.
In a separate goodwill message, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, stated that World Earth Day serves as a reminder of the realities of climate change and its growing impact on human health.
She noted that science continues to show increasing extreme heat, changing weather patterns, rising temperatures, and shifting disease trends, with some illnesses now occurring outside their usual seasons, particularly around rainfall periods.
According to her, this demonstrates clearly that the climate is changing and demands urgent attention.
Dr. Ajetunmobi emphasized that this year’s activities reflect the importance of environmental sustainability. She stressed the need to sustain and protect the environment through continuous public awareness on tree planting, prevention of deforestation, and proper waste management.
The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Sola Akande, also delivered his goodwill message, stating that the agency will collaborate with the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen environmental health initiatives in the state.
He announced that the agency will enroll all street sweepers in Oyo State into the health insurance scheme to ensure their access to quality healthcare services.
“According to him, this initiative is aimed at protecting those who contribute directly to keeping the environment clean, thereby promoting a healthier, more productive, and sustainable society.
In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, appreciated the Honourable Commissioner, stakeholders, partners, and participants for their support in making the World Earth Day 2026 celebration a success, and urged continued collaboration in promoting a cleaner, greener Oyo State.
In his welcome address, The Executive Director of FONAGEGI, Mr. Elijah Adejimi, spoke with urgency, calling for collective action to protect the environment. He urged continued tree planting and stewardship, noting that progress so far should inspire renewed commitment to a greener, sustainable future.
The event was attended by dignitaries including the Representative of the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State among others.
