The Oyo State government on Monday began a three-day technical review of the draft Oyo State Climate Action Policy, reaffirming its commitment to a climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable future.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, at the opening of the meeting in Oyo town, described the initiative as a gift to the future.

Mr Aderinto said the growing impact of climate change demanded urgent, coordinated action from all stakeholders.

“Humanity is now witnessing the consequences of decades of environmental degradation.

“Whatever we have been doing to nature over the years, nature is also responding,” he said.

According to him, while climate change is a global challenge, it requires localised solutions.

The commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to tackling the crisis through practical policies and sustainable environmental actions.

He assured participants that the ministry, with the full backing of the state government, would ensure completion of the climate policy document within the stipulated timeframe.

Mr Farinto also commended the leadership of the Oyo State House of Assembly for attending to the review, expressing optimism that the document would eventually be passed into law to guide climate and environmental action for generations.

The commissioner equally urged all stakeholders to treat the assignment as a responsibility to future generations and to give it their full commitment in the interest of sustainable development.

The permanent secretary of the ministry, Sunday Ojelabi, said that Oyo State was determined to remain a leading sub-national government in climate governance and sustainable development.

Mr Ojelabi added that the review process represents the state’s contribution to mitigating climate change and protecting the environment for present and future generations.

The review, organised by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, brought together stakeholders from ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), public-sector experts, and academics.

The meeting’s mandate is to review and refine the policy document that will guide the state’s response to climate change and environmental sustainability.

(NAN)