The Edo State Government has announced an ambitious plan to mobilize a staggering ₦160 billion to address severe ecological challenges, primarily devastating gully erosion, plaguing the state.
A Daunting Ecological Assessment
Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Fund and Management Commission, revealed the plan on Tuesday in Benin City. He stated that a comprehensive assessment tour after the commission's inauguration exposed the alarming scale of environmental degradation. "We were devastated by what we saw. I never believed Edo had been devastated by gully," Agbomhere told journalists.
He highlighted that the state's entire budget for three years is insufficient to tackle the problem. The commission has identified over 60 active gully erosion sites, with remediation costs for a single site ranging from ₦5 billion to ₦6 billion, and some requiring as much as ₦20 billion.
Phased Remediation and Innovative Funding
Given the colossal financial requirement, the state will seek funds through an Ecological and Climate Trust and undertake remediation in phases. "Edo State alone cannot solve the issue of gully erosion because the budget is for many projects," Agbomhere explained.
Beyond mere restoration, the commission envisions transforming reclaimed sites. "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," he added.
Cracking Down on Illegal Sand Mining
A significant contributor to the crisis is illegal sand mining, particularly in the Edo South Senatorial District. Agbomhere raised the alarm that these unchecked operations are actively creating future gullies. "A lot of companies are operating in Edo State. After their operation, they will leave the state without remediating the environment," he lamented.
The commission is now demanding that all mining companies present clear remediation plans before concluding their activities.
The Green Revolution Initiative
Complementing the erosion fight, the state will launch the "Okpebholo Green Revolution for Edo" next week. This major component of the ecological strategy includes a pledge to plant one million trees within four years to bolster environmental conservation and combat climate change effects.
The dual approach of massive capital injection for engineering solutions and a long-term afforestation campaign underscores the government's commitment to tackling Edo's environmental emergency from multiple angles.
