The Biodun Oyebanji-led government in Ekiti State has approved the establishment of the Ekiti State Environmental Protection and Watershed Management Agency to replace Ekiti State Environmental Protection Agency.
The State Executive Council gave the approval on Wednesday at its weekly meeting chaired by the State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
The establishment of the new agency will guarantee the sustenance ofthe gains of the World Bank assisted projects executed by the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP in Ekiti State.
Reacting to the approval, the Ekiti State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP, Dr Akinyemi Akinyugha noted that the establishment of the new agency is akey sustainability milestone for NEWMAP, with a view to institutionalizing international best practices in environmental protection, erosion control and watershed management in the State.
The approval, according to him, is also evidenced of the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration to the legacies of former Governor Kayode Fayemi and the gains of continuity in government.
When it becomes operational, the new agency is expected to, among other responsibilities, execute ecological interventions, erosion control and watershed management projects.
Its other functions are, initiating policies and conducting environmental research and acquisition of relevant environmental technology, reporting on the state of the environment as well as carrying out public enlightenment and staff capacity development on environmental protection.
The State Executive Council approved the presentation of the bill to the state assembly for legislative processes and passage into law.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
