By Simeon OSAJIE
The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental protection, public health and responsible governance as he Inaugurates Edo State Environmental Compliance Corps (EECC).
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele stated this in a press statement made available to newsmen in Benin City, the state capital.
Ebojele disclosed that while inaugurating the Corps which is made up of 100 personnel, Governbor Okpebholo charged them to serve with courage, integrity and a deep sense of purpose urging their actions to inspire compliance, and conduct to earn respect and commitment to strengthen public trust.
According to him, “The governor who was represented by his commissioner for finance Hon. Emmanuel Okoebor called on the corps members to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, discipline and respect for the law while working closely with Communities to promote environmental compliance and awareness.
“The inauguration of EECC today reaffirms this administration’s commitment to environmental protection, public health and responsible governance. A clean environment is not only a social necessity but also an economic imperative that supports productivity, investments and the overall well-being.
“You are expected to carry out your duties with professionalism, discipline and respect for the law while working closely with communities to promote environmental compliance and awareness.
“I formally inaugurate EECC and charge you to serve with courage , integrity and a deep sense of purpose and let your actions inspire compliance, your conduct earn respect and commitment to strengthened public trust”.
In his speech, the commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Nosa Adams said the 100 personnel are the first batch of EECC and they are selected through very credible means and have been engaged in an intense four days training to enforce compliance of the Edo State environmental waste Management and pollution law.
He noted that the law which was recently signed by governor Monday Okpebholo is holistic as it covers everything that has to do with the environment and ecosystem.
“The inaugurated 100 Edo State Environmental Compliance Corps (EECC) personnel are to be deployed to the three Senatorial Districts in Edo State to enforce environmental laws ensuring that the people obey the law.
“His excellency recently assented to the enacted Edo State environmental waste Management and pollution law.
“To implement the laws we need people who are knowledgeable about the law and know what it takes to maintain environmental law and people who are ready to be out to ensure compliance.
“It’s our conviction that if the law is fully implemented, we would have a healthier, cleaner and greener environment”.