- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
In a bid to reposition the vision and mission of the Ekiti State Ministry of Environment, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has mandated the Commissioner for Environment, Chief Mrs Tosin Aluko Ajisafe to lead a powerful delegation to Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to understudy the various workable operations and replicate same in Ekiti State.
Chief Mrs Aluko and her team proceeded on the touring visit and were warmly received by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Environment explained extensively the purpose of the visit, she stressed that the team came to tap from their knowledge of wealth of experiences on how Lagos State Government has gone this far to ensure environmental stability and stable climate through forest regeneration, ensuring a beautiful and attractive environment where drains and channels are well constructed and maintained, protection of environment, conservation of natural resources and prevention of environmental degradation amongst others.
Aluko further noted that understanding and adopting the best practices in Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources would definitely have a positive impact that would transfer the Ekiti State Ministry of Environment.
In his welcome remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Tokunbo Wahab applauded the Ekiti State Governor for deeming it fit for the Ekiti State Ministry of Environment to understudy workable operations in his ministry, he noted that the visit was an indication that the Lagos State is performing greatly.
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab further, wished the Ekiti State team a successful stay, he urged them to feel free to ask questions and seek clarity on whatever issues bothering them
The Ekiti State team visited the Permanent Secretary and all Directors-Office of Drainage Services (responsible for dredging and desiltation), Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Lagos State Parks and Garden Agency (LASPARK), Departments of Nature Conservation and Ecology Department, Climate Change & Environmental Planning, Environmental Assessment Department.
Other places visited included Water Laboratory, Toxicology Laboratory, Waste Water Laboratory, Microbiology Laboratory, Sensitive Laboratory, of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
The delegation includes Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Babatunde Alokan, Project Coordinator, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Dr. Akinyemi Akinyugha, General Manager, Ekiti State Waste Management Authority, Engr. Ayoola Osalusi, General Manager, State Environmental Protection Agency, Mr. Kayode Adunmo and Director, Environmental Health and Sanitation, Mr. Tunde Balogun. The official tour is on going.
