The Edo State chapter of the Petroleum and Solid Minerals Degradation Awareness Association (PESMDAA) has inaugurated its National Taskforce officers in a ceremony held in Benin with a renewed commitment to tackle irregularities and environmental degradation in the petroleum and solid minerals sectors.
The event themed “Sensitization to Eliminate Degradation and Irregularities in the Petroleum and Solid Minerals Sector”, brought together government officials, traditional leaders and stakeholders from across the State.
Chairman of PESMDAA, Pastor Dr. Robert Adah, represented by the State Commissioner, Mr. Marvellous Ighodalo Uzebor, described the Inauguration as a call to action rather than a ceremonial gathering.
He stressed that the future of communities depends on responsible management of natural resources, emphasize the association’s commitment to transparency, sustainability, and collaboration in combating environmental degradation.
“The health of our environment is none-negotiable. This taskforce must lead integrity and purpose in addressing the the degradation that has long plagued our petroleum, environment, and solid minerals sectors”, he said.
The Executive Governor of Edo State, represented by his Special Adviser on Religion matters and Chaplin Apostle Sule Farade, charged the newly
Inaugurated officers to carry out their duties responsibly.
He assured that the Edo State government would support the taskforce in its efforts to enforce best practices in resources management.
Traditional Institutions also pledged their support. Representing the Royal Fathers, His Highness Prince Alhaji Igiekhume Zubairu Afe, The Bagudu of Auchi Scared Kingdom called for greater partnership between the taskforce and grassroots traditional rulers noting that community leaders remain vital to ensuring compliance and driving awareness.
In his remark, the Commissioner, Hon. Marvellous Ighodalo Uzebor, said he inaugurate was timely, warning that urgent actions was necessary to prevent future disaster linked to the mis-management petroleum and mineral resources.
