As part of increased efforts to lower Edo State’s vulnerability to flooding and erosion through prevention and rehabilitation, the State’s Flood, Erosion, and Watershed Management Agency (Edo FEWMA) is about to be established by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
The Edo FEWMA was established by Governor Obaseki to maintain the accomplishments made by this government through the Edo State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (Edo NEWMAP), which ended in mid-2022 after a ten-year period of significant influence in the State.
Dr. Tom Obaseki, Project Coordinator of Edo NEWMAP and Chief Executive Officer of Edo FEWMA, told journalists in Benin City that the establishment of the new agency will support the government’s initiatives to ensure environmental sustainability and raise living standards of the people.
He states, “The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is scheduled to inaugurate the Edo FEWMA, a key component in the government’s efforts to protect its inhabitants and communities from the catastrophic effects of floods and erosion.
“The agency will help to sustain the progress made by the Edo NEWMAP project in terms of reducing vulnerability to flood and erosion through prevention and rehabilitation, ensuring that the State is better prepared to handle natural disasters like floods and erosion.”
He continued, “The Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration is dedicated to finding long-term solutions for managing erosion and flood control in the State.” We are committed to putting policies in place to lessen the effects of these disasters because we are aware of the destructive effects they may have on our towns and citizens. To increase environmental sustainability, this involves funding infrastructure projects like the installation of drainage systems as well as tree planting and beautification initiatives.
As part of our efforts to lower the danger of these natural disasters, “we are also educating the public about the significance of preventing erosion and floods and promoting the adoption of ecologically friendly behaviors. We are convinced that we can give all of our inhabitants a safer and more sustainable future by tackling flood control and erosion management in a proactive and comprehensive manner.
“These are some of the factors that led to the establishment of the Edo FEWMA. It will lead the government’s initiatives to combat climate change, regulate flooding and erosion, manage catchments and watersheds, and other environmental problems, maintaining the advancements made by the Edo NEWMAP, Dr. Tom Obaseki added.