The Edo State government has renewed its commitment to creating and sustaining a greener city. This was even as the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulturists commended the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State for his dedication to making the state greener and cleaner.
Aside the commendation, Obaseki also received an award on environmental sustainability at the Institute’s National Conference, which was held in Benin City with the theme “Greener Edo and Global Warming.”
The award was given in honour of the governor’s commitment to the improvement of the environment and the advancement of society, according to Alh. Kola Quadri, National President of the Institute, who was represented by Pastor Folorunsho Omoruyi.
Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, who accepted the award on behalf of the governor, urged all stakeholders to work together and support the government’s goal of a green Edo by 2023.
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In his words, “The state has a lot of natural resources and is located in the tropical rainforest. In previous courtesy calls to the Government House and stakeholders meetings, I promised to encourage and engage indigenous horticulturists in the state.
“I have earlier asked the Institute of Landscape horticulturists in Edo State to meet with the commissioners for Food and Security, Culture and Tourism, Environment and Physical Planning, and Urban Development. I asked the institute to work with these ministries to organize workshops and seminars to create awareness so that our people know the beauty and benefits of a green environment.
“In 2023, Edo State is going green. We are creating a new city that encourages compliance. We are regenerating the Ihama, Boundary Road, and Country Home Road axis in Benin City.”
In a keynote speech titled “Greener Edo and Global Warming,” the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Engr. Jonathan Lawani stated that the repercussions of global warming and climate change are a result of the planet reacting and responding to human activities.
According to Lawani, trees and other plants used to be the natural absorbents for the majority of the toxins and gases hurting people and the environment, but humans have now destroyed these resources.
He said the consequences of climate change and global warming will be less noticeable if the earth becomes more natural.
“We must join hands together to practice greener activities; have spaces in our compounds for trees, grasses, flowers; imbibe the use of renewable energy; reduce, reuse and recycle plastics and other wastes that can be recycled,” he said.
Story was adapted from the Nigerian Observer.
