The Ekiti State Government has held a one-day review and validation meeting on its Climate Change and Health State Adaptation Plan as part of efforts to strengthen climate resilience and protect public health.
The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said at the meeting in Ado-Ekiti that climate change was no longer a distant threat but a present reality affecting communities and citizens daily.
Filani, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, said the state was already experiencing the effects of rising temperatures, flooding, drought, poor air quality, water scarcity, food insecurity and the emergence and re-emergence of climate-sensitive diseases.
He said the challenges posed serious risks to the health and well-being of residents if proactive steps are not taken.
According to the commissioner, the adaptation plan provides a strategic framework to strengthen the state's capacity to anticipate, prepare for, respond to and recover from the health impacts of climate change.
"This validation exercise is not a mere formality. It is an opportunity to ensure that the plan reflects realities on the ground and remains practical, evidence-based and inclusive," he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Dr Abimbola Solanke, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Mrs Iyabo Fakunle-Okehieme, urged residents to adopt environmentally friendly practices to promote healthy living.
The lawmakers encouraged tree planting, proper waste disposal and other activities that support a clean and safe environment.
They also called on relevant government agencies to strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws to curb indiscriminate waste disposal across the state.
Earlier, the Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Health, Dr Abayomi Ibrahim, and the Climate Change and Health Desk Officer, Mrs Toyin Akomolede, described the validation exercise as a renewed commitment to protecting public health and preserving the environment for present and future generations.
They expressed optimism that the adaptation plan would enhance public awareness, encourage positive behavioural change and strengthen emergency preparedness and response to climate-related health challenges.
Other stakeholders at the meeting included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Olusola Akinluyi; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr Sunday Omoya; the Executive Secretary, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Akintunde Ogunsakin; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr. Stephen Ibijola; and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State Chapter, Dr Emmanuel Aribasoye, among others.
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