ADO-EKITI, Ekiti State — June 5, 2026 — The Ekiti State Government on Friday joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day in Ado-Ekiti, with stakeholders calling for the use of indigenous languages as a key strategy to strengthen climate change awareness and environmental protection at the grassroots level.
The event, held on June 5, 2026, brought together government officials, academics, development partners, civil society groups and environmental agencies, including representatives of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), for a coordinated awareness campaign on environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko, described climate change as one of the most pressing global environmental challenges affecting communities across the world, including those in Ekiti State. She said the government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji remained committed to promoting a clean, safe and sustainable environment through targeted policies, partnerships and community-based initiatives.
Ajisafe-Aluko urged residents of Ekiti State to adopt environmentally responsible practices such as proper waste disposal, tree planting and reduction of activities contributing to environmental degradation. She stressed that climate action required collective responsibility from government and citizens alike, warning that failure to act decisively could worsen environmental risks for future generations.
The event’s keynote address was delivered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Professor Wole Adebayo, who emphasized the importance of effective communication in addressing climate change challenges. He argued that environmental campaigns would achieve greater impact if delivered in indigenous languages that rural and semi-urban communities could easily understand.
According to him, translating climate change information into local dialects would significantly improve public engagement, enhance behavioural change, and strengthen community participation in environmental protection efforts. He noted that language remains a critical factor in ensuring that scientific and policy-driven messages reach vulnerable populations.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, the State Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, and the Chairman of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Mrs Iyabo Fakunle-Okeimie. Representatives of non-governmental organisations, development partners and environmental regulators also delivered goodwill messages.
Speakers collectively commended the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources for its sustained environmental initiatives and called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and community stakeholders to address environmental degradation and climate-related risks.
A key highlight of the commemoration was a series of public awareness activities, including a road walk through major streets of Ado-Ekiti, beginning from Oja Oba. Participants used the procession to engage residents on climate change impacts and environmental protection practices.
The programme also featured cultural performances and a stage drama presented by ministry officials, which illustrated the causes and effects of climate change. The presentation highlighted practical solutions such as tree planting, improved waste management, environmental sanitation, and the reduction of activities that contribute to global warming.
Participants applauded the cultural presentation, describing it as an effective and relatable medium for communicating environmental messages, particularly to grassroots audiences who may have limited access to formal climate education.
At the conclusion of the event, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening environmental awareness campaigns across Ekiti State and promoting sustained public engagement in climate action. They also pledged continued collaboration to ensure long-term environmental sustainability and improved ecological resilience in communities across the state.
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