EDO ECOLOGICAL COMMISSION INSPECTS EROSION SITES IN ESAN CENTRAL, MOVES TO TACKLE GULLY MENACE

EDO ECOLOGICAL COMMISSION INSPECTS EROSION SITES IN ESAN CENTRAL, MOVES TO TACKLE GULLY MENACE

The Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission has commenced moves to address the growing threat of erosion and gully formation in communities across Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

The Commission on Friday, October 2, 2026, inspected several erosion-devastated locations in the Local Government Area to assess the extent of environmental damage and identify possible engineering and ecological interventions to control the menace.

The inspection team was led by the Chairman of Esan Central Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Abdullahi Momodu, who conducted the team around some of the worst-affected locations in Opoji, Idumabi-Irria, Ibore and Ewu.

Speaking during the inspection, Hon. Momodu expressed appreciation to the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for responding to the erosion challenges confronting communities in the area.

He said the intervention would bring relief to residents who had endured significant hardship as a result of erosion and gully-related damage.

“We thank the Governor of Edo State, because without him, we can't do this. The people have been suffering untold hardship because of the gully erosion-devastated areas, and now the Edo State Governor is intervening.”

The Council Chairman also commended the Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission for responding to the environmental challenges confronting communities in Esan Central.

He noted that erosion had continued to threaten roads, properties and other critical infrastructure in parts of the Local Government Area, stressing the need for timely intervention to prevent further deterioration.

The Commission's inspection team was led by its Chairman, Hon. Ambassador Terry Igiebor.

Also on the team were Hon. Ambassador Ivie Uwaifo, Executive Director, Administration; Engr. Charles Onabayo, Executive Director, Projects; and other officials of the Commission.

During the inspection, the team visited the affected locations to obtain first-hand information on the nature, scale and severity of the erosion, with a view to developing appropriate intervention strategies.

The assessment is expected to provide the necessary technical information for the implementation of engineering and ecological measures aimed at controlling the gullies, protecting infrastructure and mitigating further environmental damage in the affected communities.

The exercise also highlights the commitment of the Esan Central Local Government administration to collaborating with relevant Edo State government agencies and institutions in addressing pressing environmental and infrastructural challenges affecting residents.

Joining the Council Chairman during the inspection were the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Theophilus Oseigba; Councillor representing Ward 5, Hon. Ehiagwina Ezekiel; and Councillor representing Ward 7, Hon. Anthony Idiake.

The inspection marks an important step towards assessing the erosion crisis in the affected communities and developing sustainable measures to protect lives, property, roads and other infrastructure from further environmental degradation.