The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the sustainable management of the state’s marine resources and the protection of its biodiversity.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa made this known at a stakeholders’ forum on the United Nations Ocean Decade and Environmental Pollution, organized in Akure by the Ondo State Environmental Protection Agency (OSEPA).

He declared that his administration is strictly enforcing regulations against indiscriminate waste disposal, illegal sand dredging, and unregulated fishing activities in the state to prevent ecosystem degradation.

Represented at the occasion by the chairman of the Waste Management Agency, Mrs. Yinka Alabi, Aiyedatiwa stated that his government has encouraged sustainable aquaculture and eco-tourism as alternative means of livelihood for coastal communities, thereby reducing their dependence on unsustainable marine exploitation.

“There is no gainsaying that addressing environmental pollution requires decisive action, bold policies, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. We cannot afford to be passive spectators while the ocean deteriorates,” he added.

The governor assured the people of Ondo State of his government’s commitment to the United Nations Ocean Decade’s goals, expressing confidence that the forum would serve as a catalyst for actionable solutions, meaningful partnerships, and a resolute effort to restore and protect the state’s marine environment.

He urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, researchers, and civil society groups present at the forum to join hands in safeguarding the ocean for future generations.

“Together, we can turn the tide on pollution and ensure that our efforts leave a lasting legacy for a healthier and more resilient planet,” he emphasized.

Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs. Funke Adeoye, the Administrative Secretary of OSEPA, informed the forum that “United Nations Ocean Decade and Environmental Pollution”, the theme for the deliberation, is a global initiative launched by the United Nations aimed at advancing scientific research, improving ocean governance, and promoting sustainable practices to ensure a healthy and resilient ocean for the future.

Mrs. Adeoye further reiterated that environmental protection and management, as a means of enhancing economic development, is a collective responsibility that requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders.

She emphasised the need for collaboration in sharing knowledge, ideas, and concerns geared toward achieving a sustainable, clean, and aesthetically sound environment conducive to living.

She also highlighted the importance of the Blue Economy to Ondo State, stating that if well managed, it could drive economic growth.

She urged all stakeholders to unite in fostering a collective commitment to environmental health while harnessing the ocean’s potential for development.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Vice-Chancellors of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, as well as by Dr. Olayemi Adeyemi, former Special Adviser to the Ondo State Government on Environment; Mrs. Bola Akinyanmi, Chairman of the Nigerian Environmental Society, Ondo State Chapter; Dr. Olusegun Dada, Head of Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Federal University of Technology, Akure; and Mr. Anthony Akpan from Pan African Vision for Environment. These guest speakers presented papers on the theme, while Professor Asiwaju-Bello chaired the occasion.

Following extensive deliberations, a communiqué containing actionable and sustainable solutions was drafted and adopted by the forum.

Participants were drawn from academia, professional bodies, secondary school principals and students, private organizations, environmental health officers, permanent and administrative secretaries, general managers, non-governmental organizations, and other lovers of the environment.