APC chieftain, Agbomhere, heads Edo ecological commission

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Barrister Blessing Agbomhere as Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission, with a clear mandate to spearhead efforts aimed at tackling the state’s worsening ecological challenges.

Agbomhere, alongside other appointees including Hon. Felix Ibhade as Executive Director of Projects, Mrs. Ivie Uwaifo as Executive Director of Administration, and Mrs. Khadija Yusuf as Executive Director of Finance, took the oath of office on Tuesday in Benin City. The inauguration also featured the swearing-in of twenty-one newly appointed commissioners and officers of other agencies, underscoring the Governor’s resolve to strengthen his administration’s institutional capacity to confront environmental degradation.

Governor Okpebholo, while addressing the new appointees, expressed confidence in Agbomhere’s ability to lead a decisive response to the state’s growing ecological concerns, particularly gully erosion, land degradation, water pollution, climate change, and recurrent flooding. He urged the new chairman to work collaboratively with national bodies, international organisations, and development partners to mobilise sustainable funding and technical expertise for long-term solutions.

“Our state has suffered significant ecological damage over the years, but with this new team, I am confident that we will bring lasting relief to affected communities,” the Governor said. “Barrister Agbomhere has the competence, courage, and connections to engage constructively with both local and international partners to restore our environment.”

In his remarks, Agbomhere expressed deep appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for the trust reposed in him and pledged to approach the assignment with diligence and passion. “I am deeply honoured by this trust,” he said. “We will work tirelessly to make the Governor and the people of Edo State proud through selfless service and impactful interventions that will protect our environment and improve the quality of life for our people.”

A former Director of Corporate, Intergovernmental and Strategic Commerce at the African Bar Association, Agbomhere is also a renowned Natural Resources Management, Petroleum, Marine, and Environment Lawyer. He is expected to bring his extensive professional experience and community-oriented vision to bear in steering the state’s ecological agenda toward measurable impact.

Agbomhere further reaffirmed his commitment to aligning with Governor Okpebholo in championing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises environmental sustainability and the well-being of Nigerians.

The Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission, now under Agbomhere’s leadership, will serve as the state’s central platform for identifying, coordinating, and managing ecological development projects, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the use of ecological funds, while strengthening Edo’s resilience against the mounting threats of environmental degradation.