World Environmental Day: Ogun gov’t distributes 3,500 clean cook stoves

The Ogun State Commissioner for  Environment ,  Ola Oresanya, has said that the state  remains firmly committed to environmental sustainability as a key pillar of the developmental agenda of present administration

Speaking yesterday at the celebration of world environmental tagged ” Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”, Onasanya  disclosed that the Ministry of Environment has implemented several strategic interventions aimed at strengthening environmental governance, improving sanitation, enhancing climate resilience, and raising environmental awareness across the state.

He added that one of key achievements include strengthened environmental compliance monitoring and enforcement across facilities, improved pollution surveillance, enhanced waste management systems, promotion of cleaner production practices, and sustained environmental health and sanitation programmes across communities.

“We have also intensified climate action through tree planting campaigns, ecosystem protection initiatives, stakeholder engagements, and strategic partnerships with national and international organizations to reduce environmental risks and build climate-resilient communities.”

“A major component of our climate strategy is the promotion of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) as a sustainable waste-to-energy solution. RDF converts combustible municipal solid waste into alternative fuel for domestic and industrial use, thereby reducing landfill pressure, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

“We continue to invest in environmental education through Environmental Management and Climate Change Clubs in schools. This initiative equips young people with knowledge and skills in environmental stewardship, waste reduction, biodiversity conservation, and climate action, ensuring sustainability for future generations.”

Today, we also celebrate a significant milestone with the presentation of Clean Cook Stoves provided by the Federal Ministry of Environment. These stoves offer safer, healthier, and more sustainable cooking alternatives by reducing indoor air pollution, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and improving the well-being of women and children.

“These Clean Cook Stoves will be presented to selected women beneficiaries by Her Excellency, the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, whose consistent support for environmental sustainability and women empowerment continues to inspire positive change across the State.”

Oresanya emphasized that while the state has made progress, challenges such as climate change, urbanization, industrial pollution, deforestation, and ecosystem degradation still require stronger collaboration, innovation, and sustained commitment.

According to him,  the Ministry is advancing initiatives to strengthen climate governance, expand environmental data systems, improve monitoring technologies, promote sustainable industrial practices, and deepen public-private partnerships.

“We are also prioritizing environmental health and school safety to ensure safe and sustainable learning environments for our children.”

He pointed out that environmental sustainability can not be achieved by the government alone, noting that It requires collective responsibility.
“Every tree planted, every act of proper waste disposal, every effort to conserve energy, and every step taken to reduce pollution contributes to a healthier future.

“Let us therefore renew our commitment to building a greener, cleaner, and more prosperous Ogun State.”

Also, speaking at the occasion, the wife of the governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun stated that as change continues to manifest through rising temperatures, flooding, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and public health challenges, the need for decisive action has never been greater.

She explained that the future desire for children and generations yet unborn depends largely on the decisions made  regarding the environment.

Also, speaking at the event,director , department of climate change Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr.Iniobong Abiola – Awe  explained that the world  is
dealing with an issue that has a strong social, physical, and economic dimension, noting that  global climate change  is a matter of concern to every country in the world.

Awe added that the developing countries are not immune to the impacts of climate change.

“we can only ignore discussion and decisions concerning it at our own peril. According to the intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC), Africa, among the developing countries of the world, stands out as the most vulnerable continent and region to the impacts of climate change (IPCC 2001), and therefore one of the world regions which deserves attention to adapt and alleviate such impacts.”

“Traditional cooking methods using firewood and charcoal not only pose serious health risks due to indoor air pollution but also contribute to deforestation and climate change.”

Ogun state head of service, Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, charged public servants public servants,  to remain dedicated, innovative, and proactive in the discharge of their duties and continue to strengthen environmental compliance and enforcement, improve service delivery, embrace technology-driven solutions, and deepen public engagement on environmental matters.

“The environmental future of Ogun State depends significantly on our commitment, professionalism, and integrity.”