The 7th Environment Outreach Magazine Public Lecture/Environmental Awards Ceremony will hold on Thursday, 04 August 2016 in Abuja.
According to the publisher of the magazine and host of the event, Chief Noble Akenge, the theme of this year’s lecture is: “Insurgency and its effect on the Nigerian Environment and Economy: which way forward” and it will be delivered by the Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed.
Erstwhile Minister of Environment, Chief John Ogar Odey, will chair the occasion while the former Deputy Managing Director of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (AGIP), Dr. Daru Owei, is special guest of honour.
King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass and Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, along with Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya, the Emir of Potiskum, Yobe State, are also expected as Royal Fathers of the Day.
Chief Akenge disclosed in a statement on Monday that, as part of activities marking the event, Environmental Awards in various categories will be conferred on eminent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in the protection of the environment through position action and years of dedicated service.
The Award categories include Environmental Stewardship Award, Environmental Support and Protection Award, Community Development and Nature Conservation Award, Environmental Legislative Excellence Award, Environmental Media Excellence Award, and Defender of the Environment Award.
Some of the nominees for the 2016 Environmental Awards include Amina Mohammed, Babatunde Fashola (Minister of Power, Works and Housing), Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Professor Sani Abubakar Mashi (Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja), Mrs. Olufunso Amosun (Wife of the Ogun State Governor) Senator Ahmed Lawn of the National Assembly, Kingsley Chinda (former Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State and presently Chairman of Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives, Abuja), Professor I. K. E Ekweozor (Secretary, Board of Trustees, Nigerian Environmental Society), Dr. Daru Owei (former Deputy Managing Director of AGIP), Dr. Victor Fodeke (Environmentalist and former Technical Adviser to the African Union), and Professor Mrs. Prekeyi Tawari-Fufeyin (Professor of Environmental Toxicology at the University of Benin).
Others include Mr. Akin Awobamise (retired Zonal Director of NESREA), Elder Uche Agbanusi (former National President of the Nigerian Environmental Society), Mr. Salisu Dahiru (National Coordinator of NEWMAP), Dr. Samuel Anurigwo (Nigeria Country Director of the International Institute of Policy Makers and Administrators), Mr. Pyagbara Saro Legborsi (President of MOSOP) and Daily Trust Newspapers published by Media Trust Limited.
“The event promises to examine and discuss the spate of insurgency in Nigeria and its consequences on our environment and economy and proffer solutions,” said Akenge.
