By Kemi Olatunde
As part of its efforts to ameliorate the environmental challenges in Ondo State, Environmental Awareness and Sensitization Clubs in Secondary Schools have been inaugurated across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Sunday Akinwalire made this known during a sensitization programme at Methodist High School, Odode-Idanre in Idanre Local Government area of the State on Tuesday.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chief Bunmi Alade stated that the programme sensitization aimed at elucidating the roles of stakeholders including students, in combating the notorious challenges facing environment.
He added that government intends engaging young people to become active participants in sustainable friendly Young Environmental Vanguard and focusing on grooming the students on environmental tips.
The Commissioner assured of readiness of government to kit the Environmental Vanguards in good stead to carry out the voluntary service without fear or intimidation, adding that, they would function effectively as Environmental Police in their various domains.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Chief Bunmi Alade, represented by the Director, Finance and Administration of the Ministry, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adeseeko, described environmental sustainability as one for all, and implored all to play a good role in order to enhance a collective environmental protection.
Alade congratulated all the selected schools to be f branded as Environmental Ambassadors for the state with a view to evolving a sustainable eco-friendly environment.
Some of the selected Secondary Schools that attended the programme were: Methodist High School, Odode-Idanre, C.A.C. Grammar School, Odode-Idanre, Ilemobola Girls’ High School, Odode-Idanre, Gbemi Akinyuwa Group of Schools, Idanre, St. Joseph Catholic Grammar School, Idanre; Funar Secondary School, Atosin-Idanre and Ebun Ogunyimika Grammar School, Idanre.
