Edo Govt Deepens Environmental Sustainability Drive Across State

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability through strengthened enforcement, improved waste management, flood control measures and greening initiatives across the state.

The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Nosa Adams, made this known recently during the Ministry of Information and Strategy’s semi-monthly press briefing in Benin City.

He said the Ministry has conducted environmental audits, issued 93 compliance notices, prosecuted 30 environmental offenders, and inspected over 60 facilities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. He added that new dumpsites have been established to improve waste disposal, while engineering works are ongoing to address flooding and erosion along Sapele Road, Tom Line and Lagos Road.

According to him, the Ministry has also intensified engagement with mining operators, strengthened environmental monitoring across the 18 local government areas, and continued the implementation of the Edo State Environmental Pollution and Sanitation Management Law to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Edo State Waste Management Board (EWMB), Mr. Lucky Enehita Enegbenehi, announced the deployment of 500 additional street sweepers, the procurement of modern waste management equipment, and the resolution of operational challenges at dumpsites across the state to improve waste collection and disposal.

He reiterated that the ” Operation Show Your Waste Receipt” initiative remains in force and urged residents and businesses to patronise only government accredited waste disposal operators, noting that the ongoing enforcement exercise is aimed at improving compliance with environmental regulations and encouraging proper waste disposal practices.

The Managing Director of Edo State Parks and Gardens, Pastor Stanley Dave Ighodaro, said the Agency has continued its statewide tree-planting campaign and the rehabilitation of public parks and gardens to enhance the state’s aesthetic appeal. He appealed to residents to protect public trees and support government efforts to build a greener, healthier and more attractive Edo State.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, called on media practitioners to uphold factual and responsible reporting and to continue supporting government policies that promote development and good governance.