Oyo marks World Earth Day, urges collective action on environment
Environmental advocates, government agencies, and private-sector partners gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State, to commemorate World Earth Day 2026, emphasizing that environmental protection begins with practical, everyday actions. The Oyo State
Environmental advocates, government agencies, and private-sector partners gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State, to commemorate World Earth Day 2026, emphasizing that environmental protection begins with practical, everyday actions.
The Oyo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to a cleaner and safer environment, urging residents to take responsibility for safeguarding the planet.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Ademola Aderinto, said this year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” underscores the shared responsibility of environmental stewardship.
He noted that individuals, communities, and institutions all have critical roles to play in ensuring environmental sustainability.
The event, organised by For Nature and Future Ecogreen Initiative (FONAFEGI), the event featured activities such as tree planting, a “Walk for the Planet,” and community engagement programs, with further activities planned across schools and communities in the state.
Aderinto highlighted key environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, rising waste generation, and plastic pollution, noting that rapid urbanisation continues to intensify pressure on the environment.
He said the state government, under Governor Seyi Makinde, has strengthened enforcement of environmental sanitation laws in line with the Environmental Sanitation and Waste Control Regulations, 2013.
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According to him, the ministry has increased inspections of markets, eateries, hotels, and industries, while introducing a decentralised waste management system to improve service delivery across local government areas. Public awareness campaigns have also been expanded to promote responsible environmental practices.
On flood control, Aderinto said efforts have been intensified to desilt drainage channels across Ibadan to ensure free flow of stormwater ahead of the rainy season.
He added that early warning campaigns are ongoing in flood-prone areas, alongside continuous monitoring of drainage infrastructure to protect lives and property.
Aderinto further stated that the ministry had strengthened pollution monitoring and control systems, particularly on air quality. He said routine monitoring of ambient air quality was being carried out at strategic locations to track pollutants, including particulate matter and gaseous emissions, to protect public health and ensure compliance with standards.
Highlighting efforts to address plastic waste, the commissioner said the ministry launched the Oyo Plastic Drive in 2025, in collaboration with Nature and Future Eco-Green Initiatives (FONAFEGI), to curb plastic pollution and promote recycling and a circular-economy practices. He noted that the initiative had continued to mobilize communities and drive collective action for a cleaner environment.
He announced that this year’s World Earth Day would be marked with a programme of activities tagged “Walk for the Planet” running from April 22 to April 25. The press briefing, he said, served as the official kickoff, while a community engagement programme slated for April 25 would mobilize citizens at the grassroots to take active steps toward environmental sustainability.
The commissioner commended the media for its partnership in educating the public and promoting environmental awareness, as he also appreciated FONAFEGI for collaborating with the state on sustainability initiatives.
Aderinto urged residents to renew their commitment to protecting the environment for present and future generations, stressing that today's decisions will determine the quality of life tomorrow.
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He expressed optimism that with sustained effort and responsible action, Oyo State would become cleaner, greener, and more resilient.
In his remarks at the briefing, the Executive Director of the Nature and Future Eco Green Initiative (FONAFEGI), Mr. Elijah Adejimi, said this year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” means annexing human resources and responsibilities to sustain Earth, which he described as a common heritage and collective home.
He outlined three immediate ways citizens and institutions can act to turn stewardship into tangible benefits for participants: planting and protecting trees, tackling waste at the source, and incentivizing local action.
He added that Nature and Future Eco Green Initiative’s goal is to inspire sustained action beyond commemoration by linking public agencies, youth, and private partners around tangible environmental work.
He said this year's theme is a direct reminder that the power to preserve the planet does not lie with government alone, but with every individual, community, and institution.
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Adejimi assures that FONAFEGI will scale up partnerships linking government, private institutions, and citizens to measurable environmental work.
Other partners, including Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and security operatives, highlighted their significant roles in protecting the planet.
A symbolic tree planting exercise was also carried out as part of the commemoration. No fewer than 100 trees are targeted for planting during the commemoration.
Adejimi described tree planting as a critical component of climate action, noting that trees improve air quality, absorb carbon dioxide, prevent soil erosion, and support biodiversity.
He urged residents to embrace proper waste management, shun indiscriminate dumping, reduce single-use plastics, and participate actively in sanitation programs.
The event was held in partnership with Wema Bank, with the financial institution also participating in the tree planting exercise, naming their tree Wema Tree, including Bobo Seyi and Lady Ominini
