The Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Environment has expressed readiness to partner the State Ministry of Environment with a view to protecting lives and property of residents of the State against environmental hazards.
The chairman of the Committee, Hon. Iyabo Fakunle-Okiemen who led other members of the committee on a visit to the Ministry pledged the readiness of the House of Assembly to put in place necessary legislative frameworks that would ensure that all nooks and cranny of the State are protected against epidemic and flood.
The lawmaker who stressed the need to complement the efforts of the Ministry for efficient delivery of its mandates stated that the Assembly would do all that is necessary to make life better for the citizenry.
“I want to assure you that the Assembly is there to make laws that would protect the lives and property of everyone in the State. Whatever part of the legislative framework that you want to be changed or amended, we are ready to do that so far it is to create a safe environment for the people of Ekiti State. We are not in the Legislature for ourselves, we are there for Ekiti people. Whatever will make life better for our people, please, count on us that we are with you on this,” Fakunle assured.
Earlier in her remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Chief Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko had stressed the need for synergy between the Ministry and House of Assembly in order to enable the Ministry perform productively.
Aluko urged the lawmakers to support Executive bills as well as initiate private members bills that will impact positively on the activities of the Ministry and its Agencies and the lives of Ekiti residents.
While providing an overview of the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Babatunde Alokan, highlighted some of the challenges facing the smooth operation of the Ministry but noted that some of them including dearth of personnel are currently being addressed by the state government.
The heads of Agencies under the supervision of the Ministry equally made presentations to the Committee on the activities of their offices.