In a renewed effort to combat the effects of climate change, the Oyo State Government has unveiled plans to inaugurate a Task Force Committee on Climate Change as part of measures to safeguard the environment and strengthen resilience in schools and communities.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Alhaji Babalola Afobaje, disclosed this during a two-day capacity-building workshop on climate change resilience, mitigation, and adaptation, organized by RUWASSA in partnership with UNICEF Lagos Field Office. The programme, held at the Local Government Staff Training School Hall II, Secretariat, Ibadan, brought together key stakeholders from schools and communities across the State.
Alhaji Afobaje noted that the initiative was timely, given the increasing havoc caused by climate change. He stressed that RUWASSA is committed to collaborating with development partners to provide essential infrastructure such as toilets and boreholes in schools, thereby ensuring access to clean water and reducing pollution in the State’s water systems.
He commended UNICEF for supporting the State Government, describing the partnership as a major step towards strengthening the capacity of schools and communities to respond to climate-related challenges. According to him, “all hands must be on deck to reduce the damages caused by climate change, and this programme is a clear demonstration of our collective commitment.”
In his good will messages, State WASH Facilitator, Mr. Sakiru Otusanya, highlighted the importance of local-level action in tackling climate change. He explained that efforts at the sub-national level feed into global reporting, adding that schools play a crucial role in shaping community-wide responses. He encouraged participants to share their ideas and experiences, stressing that the goal was to catalyze climate action across schools and, by extension, communities in Oyo State.
Delivering a technical session, National WASH Facilitator, Mr. George Bekinbo, spoke on climate-resilient planning, mitigation, and adaptation strategies. He emphasized the need for individuals, schools, and communities to plant trees in their surroundings to combat deforestation and environmental degradation.
Also speaking, another National WASH Facilitator, Mrs. Anita Enyekwe, focused on plastic waste management and climate action monitoring. She urged participants to embrace recycling and adopt sustainable waste practices, noting that “what is seen as waste today can become a source of wealth tomorrow.”
Adding his voice, Co-Founder of Recycledge, Mr. Victor Oyejide, pointed out that children and young people are central to achieving climate goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He described the training as a timely platform for knowledge-sharing, particularly in advancing resilience, mitigation, and adaptation measures in line with the 2030 Agenda.
The two-day workshop featured technical sessions, knowledge-sharing discussions, and a symbolic tree-planting exercise. Participants left with renewed commitment to champion climate action within schools and communities, reinforcing the vision of a greener, more climate-resilient Oyo State.
Oyo State ICT
October 10, 2025
