Oyo State Council on Climate Change Holds Maiden Meeting, Advances Climate Action Agenda

The Oyo State Council on Climate Change has held its maiden meeting, reaffirming the commitment of the Oyo State Government to addressing climate change, strengthening environmental sustainability and advancing climate resilient development in line with the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde.

The inaugural meeting, held at the NEWMAP Conference Hall, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Ibadan, was presided over by the Vice Chairman of the Council and Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, on behalf of the Chairman of the Council and Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Aderinto described the commencement of the Council’s sitting as the fulfilment of a vision that had been nurtured for nearly three years.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for inaugurating the 20 member Council on June 15, 2026, noting that the administration has continued to demonstrate unwavering commitment to climate governance and environmental protection.

The Commissioner explained that the Council serves as the highest decision making body on climate change in Oyo State, with the responsibility of formulating strategic policies and providing direction for climate action that will safeguard the environment while promoting sustainable socio-economic development for present and future generations.

The Council extensively deliberated on the draft Oyo Climate Action Plan (OYCAP) 2026–2040, which is awaiting presentation to the Chairman of the Council. The document provides a comprehensive roadmap for building climate resilience, promoting environmental sustainability and integration of climate action into the policies, programmes and projects of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the state.

Hon. Aderinto further disclosed that Governor Makinde has approved the operationalisation of the State’s Carbon Desk, a strategic initiative designed to position Oyo State to access climate finance and carbon credit opportunities while leveraging local and international partnerships to attract investments for climate resilient infrastructure and sustainable development.

The Council also considered measures aimed at strengthening climate related legislation, improving enforcement of existing environmental laws and ensuring that climate considerations become mandatory in government planning and implementation across all MDAs.

The Commissioner expressed optimism that the Council’s activities would further enhance Oyo State’s climate governance profile, noting that the state has recorded remarkable progress by moving from 34th to 7th position nationally within one year.

Members also discussed strategies for the adoption and implementation of the Oyo Climate Action Plan, climate financing opportunities and institutional collaboration.

In his vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Council and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership in constituting the Council. He urged members to work collectively towards the successful implementation of the Oyo Climate Action Plan.

Those in attendance included the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye; the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo; Director-General of the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development,(OYMASED)

Dr Morohunkola Thomas,the Special Adviser to the Governor on Intervention and Donor Funds, Mrs. Aderonke Tejumade Adedayo; the Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Lamidi Kazeem Ajibola; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is Mrs. Bamidele Toyin Oyinloye; Chairmen of relevant agencies, development partners, environmental experts, representatives of academia, private sector stakeholders and other members of the Oyo State Council on Climate Change.

*E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Hon. Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.
30th July, 2026