By Richard Eweka
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its firm commitment to tackling flood and erosion challenges across the State, with Governor Monday Okpebholo sustaining massive investments and ensuring full compliance with counterpart funding obligations under the Edo State NEWMAP–EIB initiative.
These efforts, anchored under the Governor’s Project SHINE Agenda, which prioritises Security, Health, Infrastructure, Nutrition-Agriculture, and Education reflect his administration’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at strengthening infrastructure and protecting lives nationwide.
Speaking in Benin City, the Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (EdoFEWMA) and Project Coordinator, Nigeria Climate Adaptation-Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP–EIB), Hon. Mohammed Bawa Okoyomoh, said the State has made remarkable progress in shifting from reactive disaster response to proactive climate resilience.
He explained that for years, Edo residents lived in fear each time it rained, as floods and erosion destroyed roads, homes, and livelihoods. However, the narrative is changing under the decisive leadership of Governor Okpebholo.
“Barely six months into office, the Governor ordered extensive desilting works that restored access roads and renewed residents’ hope,” Okoyomoh said. “The once-devastating gully at Uteh–Iwogban Boundary Road has been reclaimed under his watch. Communities that once lived in fear now enjoy safety and stability.”
He added that under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, the State Government has intensified the desilting and maintenance of drainage systems across all three senatorial districts, with expansion plans to further reduce flooding risks. These interventions, he said, align seamlessly with the Federal Government’s nationwide infrastructure improvement agenda.
Construction works have also been accelerated at key flood and erosion control sites, including the Iwogban Flood and Gully Erosion Remediation Project at Temboga, where several access roads have been completed; the Ewah–Erahon Flood Intervention Works; and multiple drainage and pond desilting projects across the State.
Okoyomoh praised the Governor’s commitment to environmental sustainability and disaster prevention, describing his leadership as “hands-on, responsive, and transformative.”
“Governor Okpebholo’s action-driven governance has rekindled citizens’ confidence in public institutions,” he said. “Edo people now see a leader who listens, responds, and delivers real solutions to long-standing problems.”
He further urged the media to play a more proactive role in shaping public discourse around climate resilience. “The media must move beyond reactive disaster coverage to promoting preventive, community-based solutions,” he said. “We should highlight local adaptation efforts, encourage civic responsibility, and amplify voices driving change at the grassroots.”
Hon. Okoyomoh reaffirmed that Governor Okpebholo’s administration remains resolute in its mission to protect lives, safeguard infrastructure, and build a more climate-resilient Edo State for future generations.
