Ondo State Government has opened a fresh page in its climate and environmental reform agenda, following a high-level consultation between the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Tob Loko (PhD) and a team of top academics in climate science, ecology and environmental management.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, Dr. Loko confirmed that he held what he described as “very fruitful discussions” with three leading scholars whose research and expertise directly align with the state’s environmental priorities.
According to the Commissioner, the engagements involved: Professor Ayo Olajuyigbe, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Fortune University, Igbotako; Professor Ife A. Balogun, Department of Meteorology and Climate Science, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA); and Professor S.O. Oladeji, Department of Ecology and Biodiversity, FUTA.
Dr. Loko said the deliberations touched on key areas such as climate adaptation, environmental degradation, pollution control, ecosystem protection and data-driven policy planning.
“No doubt, the insights we shared are in tandem with the mandate of our Ministry and will shape our efforts going forward,” the Commissioner stated.
He noted that the ministry is seeking deeper collaboration with academic institutions to strengthen environmental governance with scientific evidence and expert-driven solutions—an approach he said is crucial as the state confronts rising climate and ecological challenges.
The Commissioner added that the consultations represent the first phase of a broader engagement framework aimed at integrating research findings into government action plans across the state.
Dr. Loko reassured that the ministry will continue to pursue partnerships that enhance environmental sustainability and position Ondo State as a model for climate-responsive governance in Nigeria.
