Edo to raise N160bn to tackle ecological challenges

File photo: Executive Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Fund and Management Commission, Blessing Agbomhere.

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The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Fund and Management Commission, Blessing Agbomhere, has disclosed plans by the government to raise N160bn to address ecological challenges, including gully erosion, across the state.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Agbomhere said the fund would be sourced through the Ecological/Climate Trust, adding that the Okpebholo Green Revolution for Edo is scheduled to launch next week.

He explained that the state’s three-year budget alone was insufficient to remediate over 60 gully erosion sites, which will be tackled in phases.

“Edo State budget for three years cannot resolve the gully problem. To resolve and remediate one gully, we need between N5bn to N6bn. We have some that will cost N20bn.

“Edo State alone cannot solve the issue because the budget is for many projects,” he said.

The commission also planned to plant one million trees over the next four years.

Agbomhere added, “Part of our plan is to turn these gully sites into tourist attractions. We will restore, conserve, and preserve. We are already designing projects that we will put in every gully we remediate.”

On illegal sand mining, he raised concerns over operations in Edo South senatorial district, noting that many operators left sites without remediation.

“A lot of companies are operating in Edo State. After their operation, they will leave the state without remediating the environment.

“We are calling on them to tell us their plans of remediation when they leave,” he stated.

Edo North Senatorial district has been hardest hit by gully erosion, which has destroyed homes, farmland, and displaced residents.

Agbomhere said the government’s latest initiative, including international partnerships and desilting projects, was expected to significantly reduce the ecological impact and prevent further erosion.

Assembly cancels employment

The Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission has cancelled the employment of 324 personnel previously given provisional appointments.

The commission had offered provisional employment to the personnel in September after they were interviewed.

However, it declared that the employment letters issued to the affected individuals were null, void, and of no effect.

This was contained in a statement dated December 1, 2025, and made available to journalists on Wednesday.

The statement was signed by both the Chairman and Secretary of the Assembly Commission, Ezehi Igbas and Mrs Isoken Nehi-Olotu, respectively.

The statement read, “This is to inform the general public that the recent issuance of employment letters to 324 people by the Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission was unauthorised, illegal and unlawful.

“Consequently, all employment letters issued to the 324 people in respect thereof, by the Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission are null, void and of no effect whatsoever.

“The Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission hereby tenders an unreserved apology to all recipients of the unauthorised and unlawful employment letters and deeply regrets all inconveniences caused to all persons affected by its actions.”

When contacted by The PUNCH on Wednesday, Igbas noted that the Assembly could not provide full employment to the personnel at this time.

He added, “What we gave them was provisional employment, and we were hoping that it would be made full. However, it is no longer feasible as things are now.”

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