Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Monday inaugurated a high-powered 20-member State Council on Climate Change.
This was as the governor charged the committee members to develop practical and sustainable strategies that will help the state confront the growing threats posed by climate change while leaving behind a workable blueprint for future administrations.
The inauguration, held on Monday at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The newly inaugurated council comprises 20 members drawn from government ministries, agencies, civil society organisations, academia and the private sector.
Governor Makinde serves as Chairman, while the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources serves as Vice-Chairman. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources serves as Secretary.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the inauguration is expected to strengthen Oyo State’s climate governance framework and accelerate efforts towards building environmentally sustainable communities, enhancing resilience to climate-related risks and positioning the state as a leading voice in climate action and green development in Nigeria.
Makinde said the move marked a major step in the state’s efforts to strengthen climate governance, environmental sustainability and resilience against the effects of global warming.
The Governor in his address shortly after pronouncing the committee inaugurated, said Oyo State could no longer afford to treat climate change as a distant or abstract challenge.
He noted that the state was already experiencing its consequences through changing weather patterns, excessive heat and unpredictable rainfall that threaten food security and livelihoods.
The governor stated that its establishment aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13, which advocates urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, as well as the objectives of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
According to him, climate change has become one of the defining challenges of modern governance, requiring deliberate policy actions and collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations and academic institutions.
“Oyo State is not immune to the impact of global climate change. As an administration, we must put in the work required to mitigate the challenges confronting us as a state.
“We are experiencing increasingly unpredictable weather conditions, especially rainfall patterns, with direct implications for food security, while extreme heat has become more frequent.
“Our task is to decide and implement measures that will effectively address these challenges. Beyond the work we do now, it is important that this council leaves behind a workable blueprint that future administrations can continue to implement,” the governor said.
Makinde commended members of the council, particularly representatives of the private sector, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and academia, for accepting to serve, describing their participation as critical to the success of the state’s climate agenda.
He urged members to move beyond criticism and become active contributors to governance through innovative ideas and policy recommendations capable of addressing environmental challenges and strengthening climate resilience across the state.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Ademola Aderinto, described the inauguration of the council as a landmark moment in Oyo State’s environmental governance journey.
Aderinto expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for demonstrating exceptional leadership and political will in prioritising climate action and environmental sustainability.
He noted that while climate change remains a global challenge, localized actions have become increasingly important, especially in developing regions where environmental vulnerabilities continue to expose communities to severe economic and social consequences.
According to him, the Oyo State Government has already begun taking strategic steps to strengthen climate governance through the ongoing development of the Oyo State Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, which is expected to provide a comprehensive framework for climate mitigation, adaptation, resilience-building and low-carbon development.
“The Oyo State Council on Climate Change is more than a ceremonial body. It is a multi-stakeholder platform that will define objectives, set achievable targets and formulate a comprehensive framework for climate policy direction, mitigation, adaptation and resilience strategies.
“We must move from commitment to implementation. The steering committee, made up of experienced commissioners, academics, development practitioners and civil society representatives, will serve as the engine room for consultation, policy alignment, project design and the integration of climate-smart practices into all sectors of the state’s economy,” he said.
The commissioner outlined the council’s key priorities to include institutionalising and implementing the Oyo State Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, mainstreaming climate considerations into development planning and budgeting processes, strengthening adaptation measures across vulnerable communities, promoting public awareness and environmental education, expanding partnerships with development agencies and private sector stakeholders, and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems driven by credible data.
He expressed confidence that the council’s diverse membership and expertise would position Oyo State as a model for sub-national climate governance and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Other members include representatives from relevant ministries, environmental experts, legal practitioners, development professionals, academics and civil society groups with expertise in climate governance and sustainable development.
Dignitaries present at the inauguration included representatives of the Oyo State Judiciary led by Hon. Justice M.O. Ishola on behalf of the Chief Judge of Oyo State; the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, alongside members of the House leadership; the Deputy Governor of Oyo State; members of the State Executive Council; and prominent traditional rulers across the state.
Among the royal fathers in attendance were representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; the Aseyin of Iseyin; the Onpetu of Ijeruland; the Okere of Saki; and the Eleruwa of Eruwa among others.