The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting environmental sustainability through strategic partnerships, following a courtesy visit by the African Cleanup Initiative (ACI), Ondo State Chapter, to the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku,
The delegation, led by the State Team Lead, Mrs Favour Adefemi sought collaboration with the Ministry to strengthen public awareness and encourage citizens’ participation in environmental protection programmes across the state.
Addressing the Commissioner, Mrs. Adefemi described African Cleanup Initiative as a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting proper waste management, recycling, climate change awareness and healthier communities. She explained that although the organization has operated nationally for several years, the Ondo State Chapter was established only a few months ago and has already commenced activities aimed at improving environmental sanitation and sustainable living.
She stressed that achieving a cleaner environment requires collective responsibility, noting that government efforts alone would not be sufficient without sustained public enlightenment. According to her, the organization is seeking the Ministry’s partnership in driving grassroots advocacy, media campaigns and awareness programmes in local languages to encourage responsible environmental practices.
She also said that, the Initiative would officially launch its full-scale operations in September with environmental education campaigns in schools, advocacy visits, community cleanup exercises and recycling programmes across the state’s eighteen local government areas.
Mrs. Adefemi identified declining public participation in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, indiscriminate refuse disposal, blocked drainage channels and poor waste management practices as some of the major environmental challenges confronting the state. She appealed to the Ministry to provide publicity support and communication strategies that would inspire greater public involvement in safeguarding the environment.
Responding, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, commended the African Cleanup Initiative for its commitment to environmental sustainability, describing a clean environment as fundamental to healthy living and sustainable development. He noted that the organization’s vision aligns with the developmental agenda of the Ondo State Government under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, particularly in fostering a cleaner, healthier and more habitable environment.
Hon. Ajanaku assured the delegation of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the organization in mobilizing residents, promoting environmental sanitation and supporting advocacy programmes capable of influencing positive behavioural change. He emphasized that effective information dissemination remains a critical tool in achieving environmental sustainability and pledged the Ministry’s support in publicizing the Initiative’s activities across the state.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Lanre Akarakiri, described the Initiative as a timely intervention deserving the support of all stakeholders. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with organizations focused on public enlightenment and community development.
