Edo State N160bn Ecological Fund

Nigeria — Edo State, through its Ecological Fund and Management Commission, has unveiled plans to raise N160 billion via an Ecological/Climate Trust to combat severe ecological challenges, primarily gully erosion and illegal sand mining. Blessing Agbomhere, the Executive Chairman, stated that the state's three-year budget is insufficient to address the over 60 gully erosion sites, some requiring up to N20 billion for remediation. The 'Okpebholo Green Revolution for Edo' will also be launched, aiming to plant one million trees over four years. The state plans to remediate the gully sites in phases and transform some into tourist attractions. Concerns were raised about illegal sand mining operators who fail to remediate sites after operations, creating future ecological problems.