Adejoke Adeleye, Abeokuta
Ogun State commemorated World Environment Day 2026 on June 9 at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, with calls for collective climate action and the distribution of clean cooking stoves to women across the state.
World Environment Day, which is globally observed on June 5, 2026, with the theme, “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future,” was moved from the global date to June 9 to allow broader stakeholder participation, according to the organisers.
Speaking at the event, which was attended by market women and men, Community Development Associations (CDAs), students, and other state stakeholders, the Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, said nature should be treated as a partner, not just a resource.
She highlighted the health and environmental risks associated with the use of firewood and charcoal, noting their links to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and respiratory diseases among women and children.
Mrs. Abiodun presented 3,500 clean cooking stoves and LPG cylinders donated through a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ogun State Government.
She, however, urged beneficiaries to become ambassadors of clean energy in their communities.
Mrs. Abiodun also praised Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration for its interventions in waste management, tree planting, flood control, and environmental enforcement, describing them as investments in public health, economic prosperity, and sustainable development.
She added that women play a key role in managing household energy, while young people will shape future climate action.
Meanwhile, the stoves, formally launched by the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, are expected to reduce indoor air pollution, improve public health, ease pressure on forests, and support climate mitigation efforts.
Beneficiaries were urged to adopt cleaner cooking practices and advocate for them within their communities.
“Let us therefore renew our resolve to protect our environment, preserve our natural heritage, and build a future that is cleaner, healthier, safer, and more prosperous for all,” Mrs. Abiodun said.
The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said Ogun State is intensifying climate action through Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF).
The technology converts combustible municipal waste into alternative fuel for industry, reducing landfill pressure, methane emissions, and dependence on fossil fuels.
Oresanya listed other achievements, including strengthened compliance monitoring, pollution surveillance, and the establishment of Environmental Management and Climate Change Clubs in schools to equip young people with environmental stewardship skills.
He noted that challenges such as urbanisation, industrial pollution, and ecosystem degradation still require stronger collaboration, innovation, and sustained commitment from government, businesses, and citizens.
Both speakers emphasised the role of women and youth in environmental transformation.
Oresanya added that the ministry is prioritising environmental health, school safety, climate governance, and public-private partnerships.
The Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, commended the ministry for projects including strengthened waste management, flood control, sanitation programmes, and environmental education campaigns.
He said these efforts are making Ogun State cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable.
He urged public servants to remain dedicated, innovative, and proactive while strengthening compliance, embracing technology-driven solutions, and deepening public engagement on environmental issues.
Mr. Iskeel expressed delight at the ministry’s Refuse-Derived Fuel initiative, describing it as a practical way to convert combustible waste into alternative industrial fuel.
He noted that it would reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut landfill waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create green economic opportunities.
He also commended the Federal Ministry of Environment for donating clean cooking stoves to Ogun State.
He stressed that government alone cannot achieve environmental sustainability and called on citizens, communities, institutions, and the private sector to join climate action efforts.
“Together, inspired by nature, we can take meaningful climate actions and secure a prosperous future for ourselves and generations to come,” he said.
The event aligns with global World Environment Day activities focused on climate change impacts such as rising temperatures, flooding, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.
The stakeholders, however, renewed their call for Ogun residents to choose sustainability over wastefulness and conservation over degradation.
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