5 days ago
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The Federal government has urged Nigerians to embrace innovation, collaboration, and investment in sustainable solutions to safeguard the environment and public health for future generations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said this Tuesday in Abuja during the National Environmental Health Excellence Award, (NEHEA), adding that deforestation and pollution needs urgent attention to curb the climate crisis.
The President, who was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akum, said the event is significant “as a celebration of achievements and a testament to the collective strides we have made as a nation in strengthening environmental health governance.
The President was appointed as Grand Patron of the National Environment and Public Health Association of Nigeria (NEPHAN) and the title of “Life Fellow” of the Society for Environmental and Public Health of Nigeria (SEPHON), and also the highest prestigious award “Legend of Environmental Health Sustainability”.
He said the award will compel him to redouble his commitment to safeguard the environment and champion policies prioritizing the people and the planet.
“We must continue to prioritize the health of our environment and the global challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and emerging health risks demand urgent and sustained attention,” he stressed.
Also speaking, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the environment is the foundation upon which communities, industries and future aspirations are built.
He explained that the event is not just a celebration of outstanding achievements but a reaffirmation of collective commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability and resilience.
The minister noted that the administration has recorded a great deal of success in fostering a cleaner and healthier environment through policies that promote renewable energy, waste management, air and water quality standards and enhanced public health initiatives.
“We have made significant strides in enhancing environmental sanitation, enforcing regulations against hazardous waste, and promoting sustainable practices in industries and communities.
Earlier in his remarks, the Registrar and CEO, Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, (ECHON), Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba, stated that the regulation of environmental health is geared towards addressing issues of practice ranging from issues like climate change, health impact assessment, environmental emergencies and also the regulation.
Baba said the unveiling of the GHG emission is the greenhouse emission meter that transmits data, live data within the United system framework.
“The award recognizes environmental health practitioners who have contributed significantly toward the development of the profession of environmental health from inception and that award was given to the highest award and the prestigious award was given to the President, Commander in Chief for his significant contribution to environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
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