The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has taken another bold step towards environmental sustainability by inaugurating the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) Monitoring and Compliance Team for Aba Zone. This initiative is aimed at enforcing environmental laws and ensuring a cleaner, healthier Abia State, with a particular focus on waste management and eco-friendly practices.
During the inauguration ceremony held at ASEPA’s Zonal Office in Aba, Governor Otti, represented by Chief Uche Nwogu, Mayor of Aba South LGA, emphasized the importance of the team’s role in realizing his administration’s vision of a clean and green Abia. He charged the newly inaugurated team with upholding the state’s environmental standards without compromise and warned against any form of extortion or misconduct.
“You are the image of this government. Conduct yourselves with integrity in the line of duty. Anyone caught violating these standards will be dealt with,” Governor Otti declared, underscoring his administration’s zero tolerance for environmental law violations.
In a move that signals his administration’s commitment to achieving lasting environmental change, Governor Otti also commissioned a fleet of ASEPA vehicles and tricycles to enhance waste collection efforts. He disclosed plans to deploy more refuse bins at strategic points across Aba to ease waste management and maintain cleanliness.
The Governor’s efforts to elevate Abia’s environmental standards were lauded by key stakeholders at the event. The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, represented by the Director in charge, Rev. Ukachukwu Uchechukwu, praised ASEPA’s ongoing work to restore environmental health, urging the team to follow global best practices.
ASEPA’s General Manager, Elder Ogbonnia Okereke, revealed that the new monitoring approach would soon extend to Umuahia and Ohafia zones, signaling a broader state-wide effort to combat indiscriminate dumping of refuse. He affirmed that these efforts would align with the Governor’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
In his address, ASEPA’s Deputy General Manager for Aba Zone, Elder Okezie Ezengwa, expressed optimism that Aba could soon rank among the cleanest cities in West Africa.
He highlighted the collaboration between ASEPA, the Abia State Harmonized Task Force (ASHTF), security agencies, and environmental courts in enforcing the state’s environmental laws.
Dr. George Chiedozie, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, applauded ASEPA’s efforts in championing a healthier environment, encouraging the team to maintain high standards as they work to transform Abia into a model of cleanliness comparable to international cities like Dubai.
The event attracted goodwill messages from prominent figures, including Chief A.E. Udeigbo, Chairman of ASMATA, and Mr. Geoffrey Ogbonna, Divisional Police Officer of Eziama Aba. Both emphasized the crucial role of all residents in supporting ASEPA’s initiatives and contributing to the transformation of Aba into the cleanest city in Nigeria.
As Governor Otti’s administration continues its transformative agenda, the ASEPA Monitoring and Compliance Team is poised to lead the charge in reshaping Aba’s environmental landscape, making it a model city of cleanliness and progress.
