By Godspower Eguasa
The Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa has officially flagged-off the reintroduced monthly Environmental Sanitation exercise, which he also monitored, and urged residents in the State to take responsibility in ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment, as contribution to the well-being of everyone.
Rt. Hon. Idahosa gave the charge at the Oba Ovonrame Square in Benin City, during the flag-off of the sanitation exercise in the State, which held on Saturday, 31st May, 2025. Harping on the need and benefits of imbibing a healthy culture among residents of the State, he noted that Edo is set to be positioned as one of the cleanest States in the Country.
The Deputy Governor said, “It is with deep sense of duty and responsibility that I stand before you today, the 31st of May, 2025, to officially flag off the reintroduce monthly environmental sanitation exercise. This initiative is scheduled to be held from 7:00 am to 10 am, on the last Saturday of every month. This exercise must not be seen as a mere routine but a clarion call; it is a civic responsibility for every one of us to take ownership of our environment, to cherish the land that we call our home, and work together for a cleaner, healthier, and sustainable Edo State that guarantees a healthy living.
“As we gather here today, let us reflect on the significance of this initiative. Our environment is not just a backdrop of our lives, but the very foundation of our health, a legacy we leave behind for the next generation. A clean environment is not a luxury, but a necessity for well-being. It is our collective duty to ensure that cleanliness becomes a way of life in our dear State.
“The reintroduced monthly exercise goes beyond cleaning our State and environment. However, it is about building a culture of environmental stewardship”.
Rt. Hon. Idahosa solicited the cooperation of Edo residents, especially traditional and religious leaders, warned against indiscriminate actions and flaunting of Government rules that are geared towards building a cleaner and healthier Edo for the benefit of residents in the State. In his words, “We must instill in our people the values of responsibility, discipline and respect for nature. To this end, I wish to emphasize that the Government will not hesitate to take decisive action against individuals or groups that flaunt the rules of this sanitation exercise. Everyone is expected to remain at home during the stipulated hours and participate actively in the cleaning their surroundings.
I particularly urge our youths to take ownership in leading this initiative. As leaders of tomorrow, your voice and actions can ignite a meaningful change in our communities. I also call on traditional and religious institutions across the State to help in sensitizing residents on the importance of this exercise.”
The General Manager of the Edo State Waste Management Agency, Mr. Lucky Inegbenehi, commended the strides of the State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa in prioritizing the well-being of Edo residents. He appealed for the cooperation of residents, noting that the sanitation exercise will help eliminate diseases from the State.
In the words of Mr. Inegbenehi, “Your Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, who is the Chairman of the Environmental Sanitation, may God continue to bless you for your unwavering support. I am highly grateful. Thank you to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, for prioritizing environmental sustainability. May God continue to uplift you.
“To the good people of Edo State, please let’s adopt this new law. This is all about the protection of our health and our community. Health is wealth, and if we are able to sustain it, I assure you that malaria would be a thing of the past, cholera and so on would all be a thing of the past. Please let’s adopt this new law, let’s do this together; together it is possible.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Jude Ekpu, commended the Deputy Governor for his commitment towards the flag-off of the sanitation exercise and noted that he was optimistic that Edo would rank among the top cleanest States in Nigeria.
“The Journey has just begun, and Edo has to be one of the cleanest States, if not the cleanest State in Nigeria. Of course, Mr. Governor has supported us with equipment, and all we need is to ensure that Edo State is the cleanest State in Nigeria. So, we don’t have any cause to fail. Mr. Governor is very passionate about it, and we are here to carry out his wishes, and we will do just that”, Ekpu concluded.
