Governor, State of Osun, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has commended the Federal Government on ecological intervention to tackle environmental challenges in the state.
He described the intervention as not only desirable but also critical to curtailing the prevailing risks and dangers associated with all ecological and environmental challenges in Osun.
The Governor, gave the commendation on Tuesday, during the inauguration and handover ceremony of the erosion and flood control works at Agbara Canal, in Ile-Ife.
The project is being funded by the Ecological Fund Office (EFO), under the supervision of the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Governor Oyetola, stressed that the intervention would bring solace to the community and its environs, adding that this would also alleviate the hardship of neighbouring farmers and road users during the rainy season.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Benedict Alabi, assured that his administration would continue to place high premium on matters concerning the general wellbeing of the people of the state.
He said”, As you all know, our administration places high premium on matters concerning the general well-being of our people. This intervention is not only desirable, but also critical to curtailing the prevailing risk and danger associated with all ecological and environmental challenges.
“The project will control the menace of erosion and other ecological challenges in this area, which in the recent times became a worrisome situation with multiple socioeconomic consequences”.
Governor Oyetola, then warned people against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on canal and waterways to avert array of environmental challenges that constitute threat to lives and property of the citizenry.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, Dr Habiba Lawal, explained that the project was initiated through a request for urgent intervention forwarded to his office by the state government, for the purpose of arresting the incessant erosion and flooding menace within Agbara Canal.
“The resultant threat to lives and property is unquantifiable, hence, the need for the intervention to help this community “, Lawal posited.
Present at the event were the Secretary to the State Government , Prince Wole Oyebamiji, Former Minister for Water resources, Engr Bashir Awotorebo, the State Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Engr Sola Oladepo and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Enviroment and Sanitation, Hon. Rufus Oyegbile, among others.
