The Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) has urged its members to work with the available data to develop ideas, projects and technology that will solve environmental issues.
Its National President, Dr Dorothy Bassey, made the plea at the inauguration of Anambra State Chapter of the society on Saturday, March 27, 2021 in Awka, the state capital.
Bassey listed water, air and soil pollution, plastic pollution, deforestation, and indiscriminate waste disposal as the major problems affecting the country.
She listed others to include climate change, flooding, desertification and global warming.
According to her, there is need for professionals and all Nigerians to complement government’s efforts toward achieving a clean, healthier and sustainable environment.
“Environmental issues are not being given the desired attention; but, we can make that happen, if we, as professionals begin to think outside the box by being proactive to these issues.
“We need to work with the available data to develop ideas, projects and technology that will solve environmental issues.
“There are thousands of international donors looking up to us in Africa, especially Nigeria to initiate ideas and projects to access these grants.
“The environment belongs to all of us; without it, we cannot survive. Therefore, we need to do more to protect and preserve our environment,” she said.
Bassey urged the National Assembly to speed up the Bill for an Act to establish the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria.
She said that the Bill, currently before the Senate, intends to regulate and professionalise environmental practices and practitioners in the country.
The society president said that, with the inauguration of Anambra chapter, the society had increased to 27 states in the country.
She urged the new executives to abide by the Constitution of the society and partner with the government and relevant organisations to solve environmental problems in Anambra.
Also, Prof. John Onwuteaka, National Vice President, NES, urged the new chapter to come up with solutions to environmental challenges so as to attract and access over 12,000 available environmental grants.
Onwuteaka commended the new executives for answering the call to protect and preserve the environment.
Also, Dr Odili Ojukwu, Chairman, NES in Anambra, promised that he would uphold the Constitution of the society and ensure the environmental progress of the state.
Highlight of the event was the launching of NES Environmental Marshal Initiative aimed at deploying officers to the streets and communities.
Their mandate is to create awareness on the need to protect and preserve the environment.
By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
