The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has assured that the legislature will ensure the state’s resources are effectively utilized to implement its climate action plan.
Speaking at the launch of the Ekiti State Climate Action Plan, held at the Assembly Chambers in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, Aribasoye emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to enacting necessary laws, holding stakeholders accountable, and driving policies that promote environmental sustainability.
According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Babajide Agbeyo, the Speaker raised concerns over the growing impact of climate change on farming and daily life in the state.
“The climate crisis in Ekiti is not a distant issue; it is a present challenge affecting our farmers, traders, and children. Unpredictable weather patterns disrupt agriculture in Ikole, environmental degradation threatens businesses in Ado-Ekiti, and air pollution poses health risks to our children. Deforestation and erratic rainfall are also major concerns,” Aribasoye stated.
Despite these challenges, he acknowledged the state’s proactive approach, noting that in July 2024, Ekiti secured the fourth position in Nigeria’s first Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking. This, he said, was due to ongoing initiatives in tree planting, emission control, and climate education.
Describing the action plan developed by the State Ministry of Environment as a critical step towards a cleaner and more resilient Ekiti, the Speaker highlighted key legislative frameworks, including the Climate Change Act of 2021, the Ekiti State Environmental Protection Law of 2009, and the Environmental Health and Sanitation Law. These, he said, provide a foundation for governance, financing, public engagement, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.
Aribasoye commended the administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability, citing initiatives such as the planting of two million trees, vehicular emission regulations, biodiversity conservation, and youth enlightenment campaigns.
He further stressed the need for technology-driven solutions to accelerate the implementation of the action plan and align with global environmental strategies. The Speaker assured that the Assembly would continue to play its legislative role in ensuring proper laws, oversight, and public engagement to support the state’s climate goals.