By Peter Omopo
The Edo State Government has announced plans to raise N160bn to confront worsening ecological challenges across the state, particularly the growing number of gully erosion sites threatening communities.
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Fund and Management Commission, Blessing Agbomhere, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday, noting that the fund would be sourced through the newly created Ecological/Climate Trust.
According to him, the state’s three-year budget is insufficient to address more than 60 identified gully erosion sites, many of which require between N5bn and N6bn each to remediate, while some large sites may cost up to N20bn.
Agbomhere revealed that the state would officially launch the Okpebholo Green Revolution for Edo next week as part of a broader climate-resilience agenda.
“Edo State budget for three years cannot resolve the gully problem. The budget has to cater for several developmental projects, so we must create additional funding mechanisms,” he said.
Long-Term Plan: From Restoration to Tourism
As part of its environmental recovery efforts, the commission plans to plant one million trees over the next four years.
Agbomhere also announced an innovative approach to ecological restoration: turning remediated gully sites into tourist attractions.
“We will restore, conserve, and preserve. We are already designing projects that will be put in every gully we remediate,” he added.
Crackdown on Illegal Sand Mining
Expressing concern over illegal sand mining activities—especially in Edo South—Agbomhere accused many operators of abandoning excavation sites without carrying out the required remediation.
“A lot of companies operate in the state and leave after their operations without restoring the environment. We are calling on them to present their remediation plans,” he warned.
Edo North remains the most affected region, with severe gully erosion destroying homes, farmlands, and displacing residents. The government says its new intervention strategy, backed by international partnerships and ongoing desilting efforts, will significantly reduce ecological damage and help prevent future erosion.
Assembly Nullifies 324 Appointments
Meanwhile, the Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission has cancelled the provisional employment of 324 persons issued in September.
The commission described the appointments as unauthorised, illegal, and unlawful, declaring all letters issued as null and void.
The announcement was contained in a statement dated December 1, 2025, signed by the Commission Chairman, Ezehi Igbas, and Secretary, Mrs. Isoken Nehi-Olotu.
“The Commission hereby tenders an unreserved apology to all recipients of the unauthorised and unlawful employment letters and regrets all inconveniences caused,” the statement read.
When contacted, Igbas told The PUNCH that the Assembly no longer had the capacity to absorb the personnel fully.
“What we gave them was provisional employment. We were hoping it would become full employment, but as things are now, it is no longer feasible,” he said.
