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ONDO RAPID DEVELOPMENT AND THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
By Allen Sowore Esq
Recently, some elite and critical stakeholders in Ondo State have expressed concerns over the depletion of portions of the state’s green zones for development purposes. These concerns are both valid and timely, especially against the backdrop of global environmental challenges such as ozone layer depletion and climate change—more so as the state witnesses rapid infrastructural expansion under the “OUR EASE” Agenda of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
Across the state, men and machines are at work daily, transforming the landscape through the construction of roads, housing, and other critical infrastructure. This accelerated pace of development underscores the government’s commitment to progress, economic growth, and improved living standards for the people of Ondo State.
In essence, the “Our Ease” Agenda is designed to deliver tangible benefits to residents by creating an environment where life is easier, prosperity is attainable, and opportunities are abundant. However, economic growth and infrastructural expansion must go hand in hand with the preservation of our ecosystem.
In furtherance of this commitment, on 9th January, 2026, the Ondo State Ministry of Environment unveiled the government’s comprehensive plans for a statewide tree-planting initiative. Through the Ministry, the Ondo State Government has secured ₦50 million in support under the GEF7 FOLUR-NG Programme for this purpose.
The project is aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, including erosion, flooding, and soil degradation, while also promoting sustainable land use and environmental restoration.
This support followed a series of strategic engagements and sustained collaborations with global partners, culminating in the visit of the FAO GEF7 Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration Impact Programme (FOLUR-IP) team to Ondo State in 2025.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the government, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a safe, healthy, and climate-resilient environment for humans, animals, and plant life. He emphasized that the escalating impacts of climate change demand urgent, collective, and sustained action from all stakeholders.
Dr. Loko also drew attention to the dangers associated with ozone layer depletion, describing it as an existential threat to life on Earth, with far-reaching consequences for humans, wildlife, aquatic ecosystems, and vegetation. He stressed the need to intensify public discourse on climate change in order to deepen public understanding and encourage active citizen participation in environmental protection efforts.
On behalf of the Ondo State Government, the Commissioner expressed appreciation to GEF7 for the support, noting that the initiative represents a proactive response to climate change challenges and aligns with global best practices in environmental sustainability.
Confirming the partnership, the National Coordinator of GEF7, Prof. Oladapo Akinyemi, commended the passion, commitment, and resilience demonstrated by the Ondo State Government in safeguarding the environment—qualities that inspired the decision to finalize the collaboration.
This initiative must be brought to fruition. The need to protect our environment amidst ongoing rapid development cannot be overemphasized. More importantly, it directly addresses the genuine concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the preservation of our green zones. After all, development is essentially the thoughtful rearrangement of nature.
Just as Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa directed on 5th January, 2026, the first working day of the year, that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies must hit the ground running, the Ministry of Environment must equally demonstrate urgency by hitting the ground running on this initiative.
Climate change is not a prediction—it is happening now.
Allen Sowore Esq
Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor
(Communication & Strategy)
10th January, 2026
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