Roseline Okakah

In a bid to attain a climate-smart Ondo State and generate culturally-bound revenue, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), has launched the Center for Climate Change and the Ondo Diaspora Festival.

Speaking at the launch event, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, commended RUGIPO for its proactive measures and leadership in environmental protection.

Represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Oyeniyi Oseni, he emphasized the importance of creating platforms for sustainable solutions to climate change, noting that without decisive action, collective existence is at risk.

“We must utilize platforms like the RUGIPO Center for Climate Change and the Ondo Diaspora Festival to develop workable initiatives to nip climate change in the bud if we are to attain a truly climate-smart Ondo State,” Oseni stated.

The Governor highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change, pointing out the efforts by the state government through the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA).

He urged RUGIPO’s management to promote climate change mitigation actions, complementing the state government’s efforts and establishing the Center as a leading voice in making Ondo a climate-friendly state.

The Acting Rector of the institution, Adegun Olorunwa, underscored the critical need for urgent climate change action, assuring that the Centre would adhere to global best practices, positively impacting both immediate and remote environments.

Olorunwa also explained the relationship between the climate change centre and the Ondo Diaspora Festival, highlighting their roles in addressing climate change and promoting cultural and economic benefits.

“The diaspora festival will promote our culture and harness economic benefits from hospitality businesses,” he added.

In his goodwill message, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunwoye, represented by Chief Amos Aladeseye, emphasized the human causes of climate change and the importance of education and sensitization efforts.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Kogi State, Dr. Zainab Obadaki, praised the initiatives, noting their potential to create over one million jobs and generate significant revenue through tourism.