World Environment Day: Oyo NOA director calls for collective action against climate change
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
As the world commemorates the 2026 World Environment Day, the Oyo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Ajolayo Sinmiat Akande, has called on residents of the state to embrace environmentally-responsible practices and join global efforts towards combating climate change, in line with the goal 13 of the SDG.
In a statement she personally signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Friday to mark the occasion, the state director of the agency emphasised the importance of this year’s theme; “Climate Action,” which she said 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.”
Mrs. Akande noted that environmental protection was a shared responsibility and urged citizens to adopt sustainable habits, such as proper waste disposal, tree planting, reducing pollution, and promoting cleaner and greener environments.
According to her, environmental preservation was highly essential to safeguarding the planet and boosting public health, thereby ensuring food security, protecting biodiversity, and securing a sustainable future for generations yet unborn.
She further stressed that the NOA remained committed to promoting values and behaviours that encourage environmental sustainability, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the agency’s mandate of mobilising citizens for national development.
She called on traditional institutions, religious bodies, youth groups, schools, market associations, and community leaders across Oyo State to intensify awareness efforts and champion practices that would help mitigate the effects of climate change.
“World Environment Day serves as a reminder that every action counts. Together, we can build a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable environment for all,” she stated.
World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, is the United Nations (UN)’s flagship platform for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for environmental protection. According to the NOA state director, the 2026 edition was hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan and focused on climate action and humanity’s response to the signals being sent by the planet.
She, therefore, advised the public to use the occasion to share the value of promoting environmental sustainability and steer clear of the inherent danger in its neglect.
