Kemi Olatunde
As part of its efforts to ameliorate the environmental challenges that abound in Ondo state, Environmental Awareness and Sensitization Clubs in Secondary Schools has been inaugurated across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state by government.
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 Ondo State on Tuesday.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chief Bunmi Alade stated that the awareness and Sensitization aimed at elucidating the roles of stakeholders including students, in combating the notorious challenges facing our environment, adding that government intend engaging young people to become active participant 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 domain.
”The present administration in Ondo State is conscious of environmental issues as it would go extra miles to establish sound environmental projects for the clubs to be implemented with proper coordination from the teachers and close supervision of ministry officials.” He said.
In his address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Chief Bunmi Alade, also was represented by the Director, Finance & Administration of the Ministry, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adeseeko, described the task of 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 fortunate to be branded as Environmental Ambassador for the state with a view to evolving a sustainable eco-friendly environment.
He enjoined the students to do it right when it comes to environmental issues which according to him are direct results of our actions and inactions.
Some of the selected Secondary Schools who 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.