Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental protection, public health and responsible governance with the inauguration of the Edo State Environmental Compliance Corps (EECC).
The governor inaugurated the corps, comprising 100 personnel, on Wednesday, charging members to discharge their duties with courage, integrity and a strong sense of purpose.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, Okpebholo urged the corps to ensure that their actions inspire compliance with environmental laws and that their conduct earns public respect, stressing the need to strengthen trust in government institutions.
Represented at the event by the Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, the governor called on the personnel to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism, discipline and respect for the law, while working closely with communities to promote environmental compliance and awareness.
He said the inauguration of the EECC reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to safeguard the environment, describing a clean environment as both a social necessity and an economic imperative that supports productivity, investment and 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,” the governor said.
“I formally inaugurate the EECC and charge you to serve with courage, integrity and a deep sense of purpose. Let your actions inspire compliance, your conduct earn respect and commitment, and strengthen public trust.”
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Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Nosa Adams, said the 100 personnel constituted the first batch of the EECC, noting that they were selected through a credible process and had undergone an intensive four-day training.
Adams explained that the corps would be responsible for enforcing compliance with the Edo State Environmental Waste Management and Pollution Law recently signed by the governor.
According to him, the law is comprehensive, covering environmental protection and ecosystem management, and the newly inaugurated personnel would be deployed across the three senatorial districts of the state to ensure effective enforcement.