By Amina Ebor
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action as it joined the global community to commemorate World Environment Day 2026.
The commitment was reiterated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Hon. Sally Suleiman, who said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is intensifying climate-focused interventions through its SHINE Agenda and the domestication of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across critical sectors.
World Environment Day 2026 is being observed under the United Nations theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” with the campaign slogan “NowForClimate,” highlighting the need for urgent and collective action to address environmental challenges.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Okpebholo, Suleiman stated that Edo State’s environmental policies are strategically aligned with global development priorities and designed to tackle climate change while promoting sustainable development.
She disclosed that under the government’s Nature-Based Solutions initiative, which aligns with SDGs 11, 13 and 15, efforts are ongoing to expand green parks and urban forests across Benin City, Esan Central, Uromi, Auchi and other parts of the state. According to her, the initiative is aimed at reducing urban heat, improving air quality and strengthening resilience against flooding and desertification.
Suleiman also highlighted the state’s Mass Mobilisation Against Desertification programme, noting that annual tree-planting exercises and environmental awareness campaigns are being sustained in schools and communities to restore degraded lands and encourage ecological conservation.
On waste management, she said the SDGs Office, working with relevant stakeholders, is advancing recycling programmes, waste-to-wealth initiatives and community clean-up campaigns to promote responsible consumption and sustainable production practices.
The Special Adviser further emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups from the adverse effects of climate change. She noted that the SHINE Agenda prioritizes environmental sensitisation programmes targeted at displaced and at-risk communities to enhance resilience and improve public awareness.
Commending the Federal Government’s renewed focus on environmental sustainability, Suleiman said Edo State remains committed to complementing national efforts through policies and programmes that place climate action at the heart of development planning.
“Climate action is not a stand-alone goal. As the United Nations has noted, progress on climate significantly eases the path to achieving goals on poverty, hunger, water and health. Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda mainstreams climate change into state policy because our future depends on it,” she said.
She added that the Edo State Government is ready to deepen collaboration with the Federal Government, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), development partners and citizens to accelerate climate action and sustainable development.
As the world marks World Environment Day 2026, Edo State has called on residents and stakeholders to embrace environmental responsibility and join the global movement for a greener and more sustainable future under the banner of NowForClimate.
