By, Olawale Ogunbusola, Ibadan

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is set to inaugurate the Oyo State Climate Council next week, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen climate governance, deepen environmental sustainability initiatives and advance the state’s commitment to tackling climate change through the implementation and review of its Climate Action Plan.

In a statement on Friday, issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, said the inauguration of the council represented a significant milestone in the implementation of the state’s environmental sustainability agenda.

“The Council will serve as the apex policy and advisory body on climate change, providing strategic direction for climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives while ensuring alignment with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions and other international climate commitments,” Aderinto said.

He explained that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources would also commence the technical review of the Oyo State Climate Action Plan, through a stakeholders’ retreat involving key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, civil society organisations, development partners, academia, and climate experts.

According to him, the exercise is aimed at producing a comprehensive and practical roadmap for climate action across the state.

Aderinto added that the review would focus on critical areas including vulnerability assessments of forests, water resources, agriculture, and urban settlements across the 33 local government areas.

“It will address flooding, erosion, and heat stress, development of a robust greenhouse gas inventory and low carbon development pathways, as well as strategies for mobilising climate finance through carbon credits, public private partnerships, and donor interventions,” Aderinto said.

He hinted that the inauguration of the Council and the review of the Climate Action Plan would provide Oyo State with a stronger institutional framework and a science driven approach to climate governance.

“The technical sessions will culminate in a revised Climate Action Plan expected before the end of August 2026, with implementation of priority projects to commence immediately after validation,” Aderinto said.

He, therefore, reiterated the unwavering commitment of the state government to protecting the state’s natural assets, enhancing environmental sustainability, building resilient communities, and positioning it as a leading sub-national government in climate action and green development in Nigeria.
Adetutu Sobowale

Adetutu has three years experience in publishing stories on gender, health, education, metro and fact-checking.