Environment
OKpebholo must move to reclaim Edo moats urgently – Ighalo
Written By: Michael Odigbe
11 Aug 2025 08:41 AM
Benin, Edo – The Edo state governor, Monday Okpebholo has been urged to invoke his full executive powers to reclaim moats from encroachers in Benin City and other neighbouring communities.
Gladys Ighalo, an environmental and sanitation activist made the call while speaking over the weekend as a crew member of UNA GOOD MORNING SHOW programme of Edo Broadcasting Service, Benin.
She noted: "The heavy rains are here again and flooding in Benin metropolis has indicated the need for the governor to finally solve the problem posed by citizens blocking these moats with impunity. It is true that the moats were built in the past to preserve the ancient Benin empire. However, today the moats are helping to hold flood water. Now, the moats in a way are flood collection points. But trespassers have encroached on the moats building structures on them, cultivating plantain farms inside them or using them as refuse bins for dirt..
"This habit of defacing the moats is becoming rampant and worrisome. Because people believe no one can do anything to them. Just go to Okpaga/Cherry Road area and you will know what I am talking about. Buildings, plantain farms and dirt on the moat there.. No where for flood water to flow into. So, it remains on the road causing erosion as well as sacking some people from their homes."
"Given this, it is time the government swings into action to restore our moats and clean them up for tourists while also using them to retain floods. No more waste of time, action Governor. Our moats must be saved right away."
Also, following the heavy rains Ighalo appealed to parents to restrain from sending their children and wards on errands when it is raining so as to avoid the mishap of drowning in flooded gutters.
She equally advised everyone to secure their homes properly to prevent dangerous reptiles, escaping floods, from entering their houses.
On May 20, 2025, Darlington Imoisili the managing director of Edo Physical Planning And Building Development Agency in an interview with a radio station in Benin City vowed that the government is committed to reclaiming the moats, road alignments, blocked flood areas and government land from trespassers.
Gladys Ighalo, an environmental and sanitation activist made the call while speaking over the weekend as a crew member of UNA GOOD MORNING SHOW programme of Edo Broadcasting Service, Benin.
She noted: "The heavy rains are here again and flooding in Benin metropolis has indicated the need for the governor to finally solve the problem posed by citizens blocking these moats with impunity. It is true that the moats were built in the past to preserve the ancient Benin empire. However, today the moats are helping to hold flood water. Now, the moats in a way are flood collection points. But trespassers have encroached on the moats building structures on them, cultivating plantain farms inside them or using them as refuse bins for dirt..
"This habit of defacing the moats is becoming rampant and worrisome. Because people believe no one can do anything to them. Just go to Okpaga/Cherry Road area and you will know what I am talking about. Buildings, plantain farms and dirt on the moat there.. No where for flood water to flow into. So, it remains on the road causing erosion as well as sacking some people from their homes."
"Given this, it is time the government swings into action to restore our moats and clean them up for tourists while also using them to retain floods. No more waste of time, action Governor. Our moats must be saved right away."
Also, following the heavy rains Ighalo appealed to parents to restrain from sending their children and wards on errands when it is raining so as to avoid the mishap of drowning in flooded gutters.
She equally advised everyone to secure their homes properly to prevent dangerous reptiles, escaping floods, from entering their houses.
On May 20, 2025, Darlington Imoisili the managing director of Edo Physical Planning And Building Development Agency in an interview with a radio station in Benin City vowed that the government is committed to reclaiming the moats, road alignments, blocked flood areas and government land from trespassers.
Comments