The Federal Government has pledged to instill professionalism and unlock potential in the environment sector. Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, has revealed plans to unlock the potential in the sector and regulate environmental professionalism. He was represented by the Director Pollution Control and Environmental Health in the ministry, Dr Olubunmi Olusanya at the inauguration of the first Governing Council of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN).
The high point of the event is the emergence of the Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Prof Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye as IEPN president.
In his acceptance speech at the inauguration ceremony, Ezemonye, a Professor of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Forensics, noted that his coming on board marks the beginning of a new era in environmental governance and ecosystem management in the country.
“I accept the responsibility of shepherding this significant institute and saddled with the responsibility of regulating the activities of its members in the protection of the Nigerian environment.
According to him, it was not an easy task going through the process of signing the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria Establishment Act into Law. This new dawn, which is heralded by IEPN inauguration, is driven strongly by the passion for corporate environmental stewardship and justice.
“The mission of the Institute is very clear, interrogating ecological evaluations, ecological integrity, environmental management, restoration, remediation, protection, sustainability and stewardship as the Nigerian environment is in dire need of our intervention,” Ezemonye said.
He commended the Federal Government for signing the IEPN Act into Law and hailed Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their contributions towards environmental sustainability projects in the country.
