Okpebholo swears in Agbomhere as Edo ecological commission chair

Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, has sworn in Blessing Agbomhere as chairman of the Edo state Ecological Funding and Management Commission.

The ceremony was held on Tuesday at the government house in Benin City, the state capital.

The governor also swore in Felix Ibhade, executive director of projects; Ivie Uwaifo, executive director of administration; Khadija Yusuf, executive director of finance; and 21 newly appointed commissioners.

Agbomhere, a former south-south zonal organising secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), will lead efforts in addressing ecological challenges in the state.

Okpebholo said gully erosion, land degradation, water pollution, climate change, and recurrent flooding threaten the environment and must be tackled.

“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,” he said.

“Barrister Agbomhere has the competence, courage, and connections to engage constructively with both local and international partners to restore our environment.”

Agbomhere thanked the governor for the appointment and said he would execute his mandate with vigour and commitment.

“I am deeply honoured by this trust. We will work tirelessly to make the governor and the people of Edo state proud through selfless service and impactful interventions that will protect our environment and improve the quality of life for our people,” he said.

Agbomhere is a natural resources management, petroleum, marine and environmental lawyer.

He is a former director of corporate, inter-governmental and strategic commerce of the African Bar Association.

The commission is responsible for identifying, coordinating, and managing ecological development projects across the state, ensuring that all initiatives are properly aligned with the state’s environmental priorities and development goals.

The commission also formulates and implements policies to address ecological threats such as erosion and flooding, focusing on protecting vulnerable communities.