The commitment was reiterated on Tuesday during the 2026 World Environment Day celebration held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, with the theme, “Inspired by Nature: For Climate. For Our Future.”

Speaking at the programme, the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, said the theme highlights the urgent need to protect nature and draw lessons from natural ecosystems in addressing the growing threats posed by climate change.

According to her, forests, wetlands, trees and biodiversity remain critical support systems for human survival and offer practical models for resilience and sustainability.

She said: “nature is not merely a resource to be exploited but a partner to be protected. The future we desire for our children and generations yet unborn depends largely on the decisions we make today regarding our environment.”

She described investments in the environment as essential to public health, food security, economic prosperity and sustainable development.

A major highlight of the celebration was the distribution of 3,500 Clean Cook Stoves to women across the state through a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ogun State Government.

The First Lady explained that the initiative was designed to improve public health, empower women and reduce environmental degradation associated with the use of firewood and charcoal.

“The adoption of clean cook stoves offers a safer, healthier, cleaner and more efficient alternative. These solutions reduce harmful indoor air pollution, conserve forests, lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve household productivity,” she stated.

She urged beneficiaries to become ambassadors of clean energy by educating members of their communities on the benefits of cleaner cooking technologies.

Mrs. Abiodun also highlighted the growing importance of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) as an innovative waste-to-energy solution capable of converting combustible waste into alternative fuel for industrial use.

According to her, RDF supports the principles of a circular economy by reducing pressure on landfills, lowering methane emissions, creating green jobs and contributing significantly to climate change mitigation.

“As Ogun State continues to industrialise, embracing innovations such as RDF will help us achieve the dual objectives of effective waste management and cleaner energy generation while supporting sustainable economic growth,” she added.