By Abbas Nazil
The Edo State Government has pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) to improve waste management, tackle climate change and promote environmental sustainability across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Nosa Adams, gave the assurance during a meeting with the society’s national executives, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Edith Ebomoyi.
The proposed collaboration is expected to support environmental protection efforts, promote sustainable practices and strengthen public awareness of environmental challenges facing communities across Edo State.
Adams reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with professional environmental organisations to improve environmental management and address climate-related concerns.
The National President of NES, Efegbidiki Okobia, commended the state government for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, describing the move as a demonstration of its commitment to tackling environmental challenges.
Okobia stressed the importance of stronger environmental legislation and effective enforcement to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and improve environmental standards.
He said collaboration between the government and environmental professionals would be important in developing practical solutions to waste management challenges and encouraging responsible environmental practices among residents.
The NES president also pledged the society’s support for public awareness campaigns and initiatives designed to improve environmental management across the state.
He said the organisation was ready to work with the Edo State Government and other relevant institutions to strengthen environmental policies, promote sustainability and support efforts to address climate change.
As part of its activities in the state, the society is scheduled to hold a three-day annual conference themed “Reimagining Environmental Solutions”.
The conference is expected to bring together environmental experts, researchers and other stakeholders, including international speakers from the University of Oxford and the Netherlands, to discuss emerging environmental challenges and possible solutions.
The gathering is expected to provide a platform for exchanging knowledge, examining environmental concerns and exploring approaches that could strengthen environmental governance and sustainability.
The partnership between the state government and NES comes amid growing concerns about waste disposal, environmental degradation and the effects of climate change, which require coordinated action from government institutions, professional bodies and local communities.
Both parties reaffirmed their readiness to work together to strengthen environmental protection, improve policy implementation and encourage sustainable practices across Edo State.
