0
0
ONDO INAUGURATES 15-MEMBER TEAM TO DEVELOP CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY
The Ondo State Government under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has taken a decisive step towards building a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment with the launch of a 15-member Technical Committee to draft the state’s first Climate Change and Circular Economy Policy.
The move follows the governor’s approval in August for the establishment of a high-level Committee on Circular Economy, Climate Change Policy and Roadmap Development.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Akure, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Dr. Tob Loko described the development as a significant milestone in the administration’s efforts to address climate vulnerabilities in a strategic and coordinated manner.
According to him, climate change remains an existential threat with far-reaching environmental, social and economic implications.
He noted that Ondo State—like many parts of Nigeria—is already experiencing the harsh realities of climate change.
“Rising temperatures, heat stress, flooding, sea level rise, erratic rainfall and drought are increasingly evident in our state,” he said.
“Both urban and rural areas face recurrent flooding that destroys homes, critical infrastructure and farmlands.”
Dr. Loko added that coastal erosion along the Atlantic shoreline continues to worsen, displacing communities and undermining livelihoods.
He cited the case of Ayetoro, where sea incursion has devastated settlements and farmlands.
Loko further explained that erratic rainfall patterns threaten food security and the income of rural households.
“Reduced agricultural yield pushes many farmers into deeper poverty,” he said.
Describing climate change as a cross-cutting challenge, the commissioner emphasized the need for a comprehensive, multisectoral policy framework that integrates mitigation, adaptation and circular economy strategies.
The proposed policy, he said, would outline sector-specific and cross-sectoral actions to guide the state’s climate response and preparedness.
He expressed confidence in the newly inaugurated committee, noting that it comprises experts from academia, government institutions and local and international organizations.
He commended the members for their commitment to serve and expressed optimism that their expertise would help deliver a robust and actionable policy.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Hon. Ayodele Akande (FCA) highlighted the severe impacts of flooding, erosion and environmental degradation on communities—particularly in Ilaje Local Government Area, where sea incursion has displaced several settlements.
He noted that although government spends billions of naira annually to combat these challenges, little focus has been placed on addressing their root causes.
He described the inauguration of the committee as a clear demonstration of government’s readiness to tackle the effects of climate change in a sustainable way.
While noting that his ministry is working to ensure year-round food availability, he called for stronger collaboration among the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Water Resources.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Kinga Olumide, stated that Ondo State had never had a formal policy on climate change and circular economy.
He said the government is now ready to engage stakeholders and commence the process of developing a comprehensive policy framework to address these challenges.
About The Author
