Agbomhere to lead Edo’s new push against erosion, flooding

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has sworn in Barrister Blessing Agbomhere as Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission, marking the beginning of a renewed drive to tackle the state’s persistent erosion and flooding challenges.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Benin City, Okpebholo said Agbomhere and his team would spearhead the state’s coordinated response to years of ecological neglect, with a mandate to deliver sustainable solutions to gully erosion, land degradation, water pollution, and recurrent flooding.

“Our state has suffered significant ecological damage over the years, but with this new team, I am confident that we will bring lasting relief to affected communities,” the governor said. “Barrister Agbomhere has the competence, courage, and connections to engage constructively with both local and international partners to restore our environment.”

Agbomhere was sworn in alongside Hon. Felix Ibhade, Executive Director of Projects; Mrs. Ivie Uwaifo, Executive Director of Administration; and Mrs. Khadija Yusuf, Executive Director of Finance, as well as twenty-one newly appointed commissioners and officers of other state agencies last Tuesday.

In his remarks, Agbomhere expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, pledging to work tirelessly to make the administration and people of Edo State proud through “selfless service and impactful interventions that will protect the environment and improve the quality of life for our people.”

A former Director of Corporate, Intergovernmental and Strategic Commerce of the African Bar Association and an environmental lawyer, Agbomhere is expected to bring his experience in natural resource management to bear on the state’s ecological agenda.

He reaffirmed his commitment to aligning with Governor Okpebholo’s vision and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises environmental sustainability and community resilience.

The Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission is mandated to identify, coordinate, and manage ecological projects; mobilise and monitor funding; and provide advisory support on environmental planning and green infrastructure across the state.