Experts Advocate Stronger Environmental Governance in Delta State
By Emmanuel Enebeli
EFFURUN/Nigeria: Stakeholders in Nigeria’s environmental sector have called for urgent action to tackle environmental degradation, urging the Delta State government to strengthen environmental governance for a healthier and more sustainable ecosystem.
The appeal was made on Friday, November 29, 2024, during the 15th edition of the Late Prof. F.M.A. Ukoli Environmental Workshop and Quiz Competition, organized by the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Delta State Chapter, at Covenant Christian Pavilion, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
In his welcome address, NES Delta State Chapter Chairman, Dr. Victor Sunji, highlighted the society’s long-standing commitment to environmental advocacy since its inception in 1985. He noted that NES has earned national and international recognition for its efforts, including commendations from the United Nations. “The federal government described NES as the foremost environmental watchdog in 1991, and it is now recognized under the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria Act of 2023,” he said.
Dr. Sunji explained that the workshop aimed to identify and analyze stakeholders’ perspectives on policies shaping environmental sustainability and develop actionable strategies.
Speaking on the event’s theme, “Stakeholders Engagement in Environmental Governance: Discourse, Ethics, and Strategic Management,” guest speaker Prof. Mark Ikeke emphasized the urgent need for robust environmental governance in Nigeria. He said, “The environment is crucial for human survival. Without a clean and healthy environment, human beings cannot survive.” Prof. Ikeke decried issues such as gas flaring, land and marine pollution, and environmental insecurity as major challenges, stressing that collaborative efforts between citizens, organizations, and government are essential.
“Environmental governance is not solely the responsibility of the government or corporations; it involves every one of us,” he said, citing definitions from global institutions that highlight the need for collective action in managing natural resources and addressing environmental issues.
Prof. Ikeke also criticized the weak enforcement of Nigeria’s environmental laws, attributing the challenges to corruption, poor leadership, and inadequate awareness. He called on corporations to adopt “corporate environmental responsibility” beyond their regular social obligations.
The event’s chairman, Prof. Joseph Mfon, praised NES Delta Chapter for its initiative, noting its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 17, which emphasizes partnerships for sustainable development. Similarly, NES National President Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia, represented by Dr. Paul Akporowho, warned about the dangers of indiscriminate dredging activities in parts of Delta State and called for immediate intervention.
Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Jamani Tommy Ejiro, represented by his Technical Assistant, Mr. Sylvester Ofuyekpone, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting a safe and healthy environment. He encouraged collaboration between NES, corporate organizations, and other stakeholders to drive environmental reforms.
The event also featured goodwill messages from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), represented by Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, who stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement in crafting sustainable environmental policies.
The highlight of the program was the grand finale of the annual quiz competition for secondary schools, where Nwogwu Udoka Peace, an SS3 student of Delta Career College, Warri, emerged as the winner, defeating Ogharandukun-Brown Wealth of St. Michael’s College, Ovwian-Aladja.
The workshop attracted participants from academia, corporate institutions, and environmental organizations, underscoring the growing commitment to preserving Delta State’s ecosystem.
