Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State, has issued a directive to the heads of the 18 local government areas of the state to prioritize environmental practices in their respective domains.
The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, made this announcement during a press briefing after the weekly Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at the Government House in Benin City.
Highlighting the significance of individual responsibility, Lawani stated, “Governor Obaseki and the EXCO members recognize our vital role in ensuring that our state remains pristine and clean. Even if we tackle cleaning public spaces, without each homeowner and resident taking ownership of keeping their surroundings clean, achieving a clean Edo State would be elusive.”
Lawani made an impassioned appeal to the citizens of Edo State, urging them to embrace the cultural values ingrained in their upbringing. He emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, particularly during the rainy season, even in the absence of formal monthly environmental sanitation exercises.
Implementation strategies are already in progress, with ministry staff deployed to the various local government areas to enforce sanitation measures. Lawani warned that offenders who neglect their responsibility for cleanliness will face legal consequences, as the law explicitly addresses sanitation issues.
Noting the proactive steps being taken, Lawani explained, “To ensure effective operations, we have assigned specific officers from the Ministry to oversee different city centers. These officers have been tasked with taking absolute ownership of their respective areas, including vegetation management, prompt waste disposal, and ensuring responsible waste management by residents.”
Additionally, the Ministry has engaged environmental officials in the local government areas, with a detailed three-month action plan firmly in place. Lawani stressed the importance of executing daily activities outlined in the plan to maintain a clean state and prevent the spread of communicable diseases like Lassa Fever.
Expressing disappointment in the visible neglect of residential premises, Lawani urged the people of Edo State to take action. However, he made it clear that if individuals fail to uphold their responsibilities, both the Ministry and local government authorities are fully prepared to enforce sanitation laws. Such enforcement will include apprehending and prosecuting defaulters.
