World Environment Day: APM Oyo Central Senatorial candidate, Oguntoyinbo, calls for ‘responsible practices’
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
As the world marked the Environment Day on Friday, June 5, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM)’s Oyo Central senatorial candidate, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has appealed to citizens of the state to embrace environmental responsible practices.
Oguntoyinbo urged citizens to beware of the consequences of climate change and ensure the sustainability of environmental responsible practices, including proper disposal of wastes and the culture of tree planting, to mitigate the effect of the climate change.
World Environment Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, acts as the UN’s principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment.
It is celebrated annually on June 5, and this year’s edition is hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan and focuses on climate action and humanity’s response to the signals being sent by the planet.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Friday, Oguntoyinbo warned the citizens to beware of climate change, urging them to use the occasion of this year’s World Environment Day to share the value of promoting environmental sustainability.
He advised citizens to steer clear of the inherent dangers that might accompany climate change.
He said the theme of this year’s celebration; “Climate Action,” highlighted the moral obligation for individuals, communities, institutions, and governments to take decisive steps in addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change, failure of which might be disastrous.
He said there had been warnings from the meteorologists that there would be heavy rainfall this year, and advised that proper waste disposal and non-blockage of drainages should be taken seriously by citizens.
He equally called for the habit of tree planting, reduction of pollution and promotion of cleaner environment.
“I urge my constituents to adopt sustainable habits, such as proper waste disposal, tree planting, reduction of pollution, and promoting cleaner and greener environment,” he said.
He added that preserving the environment was essential now to safeguard the planet and boost public health, thereby ensuring food security, protecting biodiversity, and securing a sustainable future future generations.
He also advised that there should be commitment to promoting values and behaviours that encourage environmental sustainability.
Oguntoyinbo called on political leaders, traditional institutions, religious bodies, youth groups, schools, market associations, and community leaders to intensify awareness efforts and champion practices that would help mitigate the effects of climate change in Oyo State.
