Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has received two prestigious honours in recognition of his administration’s contributions to environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
The Governor was named the “Most Impactful Governor in Environmental Sustainability” and was also conferred with the title of Distinguished Fellow by the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership (CIML), USA. The honours were presented during the World Environmental Sanitation Day Leadership Conference, organized by the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, held in Akure on Saturday.
Representing the Governor at the event, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olaide Adelami, expressed gratitude to the institute for the double recognition. He noted that the awards would serve as motivation for Governor Aiyedatiwa to continue delivering excellent governance with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship.
“These recognitions affirm our dedication to impactful policies that benefit both the people and the environment. We remain committed to representing the values of the Institute and promoting environmental sustainability,” he said.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Adelami emphasized that the awards reflect the state government’s consistent efforts to implement forward-thinking environmental policies and innovative approaches to governance. He described Ondo State’s progress in sustainability as a model for others, stating: “Our focus on transforming environmental management has positioned our state as a leader in sustainable development.”
Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Creating Sustainability and Wealth in a Changing Dynamic World,” the Deputy Governor noted that it aligns perfectly with the administration’s vision for a prosperous and environmentally responsible Ondo State.
Also speaking at the event, the representative of the Minister of Environment, Dr. Rotimi Adeyemi, lauded Ondo State for leading by example, being the first state in Nigeria to mark the World Environmental Sanitation Day. He urged government authorities to expand their environmental workforce and explore economic opportunities in waste-to-wealth initiatives.
Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba, Registrar and CEO of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for his foresight in environmental policy and for sustaining the tempo of sanitation efforts across the state. He highlighted Ondo State’s achievements in waste management and its efforts to combat greenhouse effects.
In her goodwill message, the Chairperson of the Ondo State Waste Management Board, Mrs. Yinka Alabi, stressed the critical role of sanitation in public health, economic stability, and environmental preservation. She commended the administration’s initiatives such as community clean-up drives, market-focused hygiene campaigns, flood control efforts, and training programs for environmental workers.
She also revealed that plans are underway to acquire more waste collection trucks and establish recycling plants—measures that will help maintain cleaner surroundings, create job opportunities, and enhance the state’s revenue base.
“Environmental sustainability is everyone’s responsibility. If we all play our part, one community at a time, we can build a safer, healthier, and cleaner Nigeria,” Alabi added.
Mrs. Alabi was also decorated as a Fellow of the Environmental Health Council at the event.
Other dignitaries present included Mr. Olumide Kinga, Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, and Mr. Fola Omowole, General Manager of the Ondo State Waste Management Authority, among others.