The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission has appealed to residents of coastal communities in the state to refrain from dumping chemicals and other harmful substances into the ocean, warning that such actions could worsen environmental degradation and endanger public health.
The Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Biyi Poroye, made the appeal on Monday at Ugbonla in Ilaje Local Government Area during the commencement of a tree-planting exercise and shoreline clean-up campaign organised to commemorate the 2026 World Ocean Day.
The environmental initiative formed part of a month-long programme being implemented by the commission in partnership with the Ondo State Ministry of Environment to address the growing impact of climate change on coastal settlements.
Poroye explained that many riverine communities in the state were facing serious threats from rising sea levels, coastal erosion, ocean surges and flooding, making it necessary for government and residents to adopt sustainable measures to protect the environment.
He said the activities lined up for the commemoration included tree planting, shoreline sanitation and public awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging environmental responsibility and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities.
“Residents must desist from introducing chemicals into the ocean in an attempt to control sea incursions or ocean surges. Such substances can spread beyond our shores and create significant environmental and health problems for people across different regions,” he said.
The OSOPADEC boss also cautioned against relying on ritual practices as a means of tackling environmental challenges, stressing that climate-related disasters required practical and scientific solutions. According to him, the effects of climate change can only be mitigated through collective action, environmental protection and sustained government intervention.
Poroye called on international organisations, development agencies and other stakeholders to collaborate with the commission and the Ondo State Government in addressing the environmental challenges confronting oil-producing communities. In separate remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Tomi Loko, urged community leaders, youths and residents to support climate resilience efforts through proper waste management and regular environmental sanitation, while the state’s Goodwill Ambassador for Environment, Olapeju Olayemi, appealed for greater global support to tackle the menace of ocean surges and preserve marine ecosystems.