The Edo State Government has disclosed plans to partner landlords in the state capital, Benin City, on a greenery project, describing the move as part of efforts on environmental sustainability.

Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku, who said this in a chat with journalists, noted that the project will be driven through a social and behavioural change template that will encourage the landlords to plant and maintain trees in front of their houses.

According to her, “There is a big drive at enhancing the beauty of our state. We are looking at parks and gardens. We are also looking at building what the old Edo was in a modern form.

“Governor Godwin Obaseki’s drive is to create a beautiful Edo, a state where people can come in contact with tradition and with a feel of it, in the 21st century.

She said, “we are looking at building up our parks, ring road, and intend to get our landscaping right. In the greenery project, we will commence an awareness campaign to appeal to people to plant flowers in front of their houses.”

The Commissioner explained that the state government will support the people in achieving the greenery project, adding, “If everybody does their bit, it would become easier for government to work on areas that are not owned by individuals.”

She explained that the state government will roll out a clean-up initiative, noting that the state government is trying to get dustbins in vehicles to for the control and collection of plastic wastes.