The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has been honoured by the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulturists for his administration’s commitment to ensuring a healthier, greener and cleaner Edo State.
The governor was honoured at the National Conference of the Institute held in Benin City, with the theme, “Greener Edo and Global Warming.”
The National President of the Institute, Alh. Kola Quadri, represented by Pastor Folorunsho Omoruyi stated that the award was in recognition of the governor’s dedication to the beautification of the environment and contribution to the development of the society.
Receiving the award on behalf of the governor, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, called for the collaboration and support of all stakeholders in achieving the government’s vision of a green Edo by 2023.
He said, “The state has a lot of natural resources and is located in the tropical rainforest. In previous courtesy calls to 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, 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.”
The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, in a keynote address, titled ‘Greener Edo and Global Warming,’ said “the effects of global warming and climate change is a result of the earth reacting and responding to the activities of humans.”
Lawani continued: “Most of the toxins and gases affecting humans and the environment now need to be absorbed by trees and other vegetation but humans have removed these natural absorbents. The more natural the earth is, the lesser the effects of climate change and global warming.
“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 added, “The Edo State government has created a law that provides for a park and gardens agency to be established and also provides for the building of parks and gardens starting from next year. The law has also made it mandatory for every child to plant a tree on their birthdays, while land owners must green their environment and failure to do so, the agency in charge will green the area and send the bill to the landowner to pay.”
