The Ekiti State Government on Friday joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day, with stakeholders advocating the use of indigenous languages to deepen climate change awareness and environmental protection efforts.
Speaking at the event in Ado-Ekiti, the State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko, described climate change as one of the greatest environmental challenges confronting communities across the world.
Ajisafe-Aluko urged residents to adopt environmentally friendly practices to safeguard the environment and ensure a sustainable future for coming generations.
She said the administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji remained committed to building a clean, safe, healthy and sustainable environment through strategic policies, partnerships and community-driven initiatives.
“Climate action is urgent and necessary. We must all play our part in protecting the environment through responsible actions and sustainable practices,” she said.
Delivering a keynote address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Prof. Wole Adebayo, stressed the importance of indigenous communication channels in climate change advocacy.
Adebayo said environmental messages would achieve greater impact if communicated in local languages that grassroots communities could easily understand and relate with.
According to him, translating climate-related information into indigenous dialects would enhance public participation in environmental protection and strengthen efforts to combat environmental degradation.
The professor noted that effective communication remained a critical tool in addressing climate change and other environmental challenges.
The event featured goodwill messages from the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; the State Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun; Chairman, Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Mrs Iyabo Fakunle-Okeimie; representatives of non-governmental organisations; development partners; and officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
The speakers commended the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources for its environmental sustainability initiatives and called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, development partners and citizens to address environmental challenges.
A major highlight of the event was the inspection of a guard of honour, cultural performance and a stage play presented by ministry officials.
The drama showcased the causes and effects of climate change and educated participants on practical solutions such as tree planting, proper waste management, environmental sanitation and the reduction of activities that contribute to global warming.
Earlier, participants embarked on a road walk through major streets of Ado-Ekiti from Oja Oba to create public awareness on environmental protection and climate action.
The cultural presentation attracted applause from participants, who described it as an effective medium for communicating environmental messages, particularly at the grassroots level.
The event ended with stakeholders renewing their commitment to strengthening environmental awareness and encouraging citizens to actively participate in protecting the environment for present and future generations.
Omotola Oluyemisi
AD (I&PR)
6/06/2026.
