To highlight the critical role of environmental conservation, Edo State’s Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, spearheaded a public awareness march spanning 8.5 kilometers across Benin City on October 3rd, 2023.
This event, orchestrated by the state’s Ministry of Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, was in honor of World Habitat Day 2023, adopting the theme “Resilient Urban Economies: Cities as Drivers of Growth and Recovery.”
Governor Obaseki voiced his alarm regarding the persistent environmental decline and underscored the imperative for prompt intervention.
He shed light on the repercussions of climate change, soil erosion, and rampant deforestation on the region’s natural habitats, urging key figures to grasp the critical nature of these issues. The governor underscored the necessity of fortifying the environment to ensure its endurance for the benefit of posterity.
Obaseki remarked, “The essence of today’s march is to raise public consciousness about the sole habitat we possess. Our living environment holds immense significance for us, and it’s imperative that we bolster its resilience. We must ensure the sustainability of our natural surroundings for ourselves and the generations to follow.
“The visible effects of climate change are a stark reminder that we cannot afford to overlook the care of our environment and habitat. The challenges we face in Edo, situated within a rainforest region, are exacerbated by our historical treatment of the land, leading to severe erosion and landslides.
“Without immediate and decisive action, our region may soon become inhospitable. Continued deforestation at the current pace threatens to transform our rainforest into a savannah. It is crucial that we revitalize and maintain our environment, restoring it to its original state as intended by nature, lest we and our descendants pay a steep price.”
In recognition of our shared duty to protect our living spaces, Obaseki appealed for backing from professionals, educators, and civil servants. He elaborated on the government’s pledge to ecological preservation and the formulation of a comprehensive 30-year urban and regional blueprint.
The governor stressed that this strategic plan would serve as a guide for successive governments, ensuring that environmental safeguarding is enshrined as a statutory duty.
Isoken Omo, the Edo State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, also stressed the critical need for a united front in environmental conservation. She pointed out that the onus of protecting our habitats lies with each individual, warning that neglect could have dire consequences for human well-being.
