Edo govt partners NGOs on renewable energy

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

Edo State Government has expressed its readiness to partner a Non-Governmental Organization, Health Promotion Education and Community Development Initiative (HPECDI) and 350 Nigeria.org.
The partnership is expected to help boost a total transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy so as to prevent climate change crisis.
The State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Mrs. Omoua Alonge Oni- Ekpaku has said.
She revealed this while receiving members of the group who matched from Museum Ground, King Square to her office to seek the ministry’s collaboration in actualizing a cleaner environment.
Addressing the gathering through it’s permanent Secretary, Mr Lucky Wasa, the commissioner said that over the years, Edo State has demonstrated it’s readiness and willingness to support a healthier and friendlier environment.
He said that the ministry have been engaging youth in the protection and preservation of the environment in line with the state government’s ‘keep Edo Clean’ project.
He noted that transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is actualizable, though it was going to be a gradual process, while assuring the group of government’s support.
Speaking during the rally, the Coordinator HPECDI, Charity Aienobe-Asekharen said that AfrikaVuka rally in Benin City is to raise the consciousness of the Edo people and government on the urgent need to transit to renewable energy.
According to her, “The AfrikaVuka Event is a platform to fast track a fossil free society through collaborating bodies; community after community and state after State.AfrikaVuka targets African Nations to wake up to the demands and responsibility required to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote initiatives that drive renewable energy”.