Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has launched 65 Renewed Hope Environment Clubs in selected secondary schools and tertiary institutions to promote environmental awareness and responsible citizenship among students.

The clubs were inaugurated at the Dr. Olusegun Mimiko International Conference Centre, The Dome, Akure.

The initiative is designed to encourage students to take active roles in environmental protection through tree planting, waste sorting, recycling, sanitation, water conservation and peer education.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said environmental sustainability remained a key component of his administration’s OUR EASE Developmental Agenda, stressing that development must not come at the expense of the environment.

He noted that the clubs would provide opportunities for students to translate environmental knowledge into practical action, adding that they would be integrated into school programmes, supported by committed teachers and linked to community initiatives.

The governor also highlighted efforts by his administration to strengthen waste management in the state, including the procurement of 120 waste skips and two modern side-loader compactor trucks.

He said the number of Private Sector Participation operators had increased from 19 to 51, while the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise had been reinvigorated and the State Environmental Task Force restored.

Aiyedatiwa further disclosed that the state had reviewed its environmental laws and commenced the formulation of the Ondo State Climate Change and Circular Economy Policy.

He called on teachers, parents, traditional rulers, community leaders and development partners to support the initiative, noting that environmental protection was fundamental to human dignity.

The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Initiative provided the platform for the programme.

Also speaking, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas-Lawal, represented by the Assistant Director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department, Dangiwa Ewa Oruwe, commended the initiative.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Tob Loko, said the programme required collaboration across the environmental value chain.

The Renewed Hope Environment Clubs are expected to nurture environmentally conscious citizens and promote cleaner schools and healthier communities across Ondo State.