Do the right things at the right time, Ogbonna tasks stakeholders at Environment Stakeholders engagement.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, has reminded the stakeholders who gathered at Enitona Hotel, Aba, Abia State for the Environment Stakeholders engagement that the management of the environment could pose very great challenges to all, if deliberate efforts are not made constantly to do the right things at the right time.
In his speech during the meeting, Ogbonna pointed out that the collective efforts of the stakeholders towards efficient waste management and environmental sanitation are required to give the Abia citizens, residents and visitors qualitative life, and also preserve the environment for the future generations.
His words, “Our amiable and visionary Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has put the Environment on the front burner as far as his administration is concerned…. As we know, our dear State is shifting towards becoming an investment destination, and Aba the commercial hub should be a major focus.
“Our gathering here today will foster the spirit of oneness in the achievement of this goal. Let us eschew the habit of discharging our wastes into our drainage systems as they will block the drains and cause flooding”, the Environment Commissioner stated.
Ogbonna who further reminded the stakeholders as critical partners in progress with the State government, that their roles cannot be downplayed in the quest for a new Abia, which Gov. Otti has said is possible, enjoined them to join hands to make Aba, clean, green and healthy to attract investors.
Ogbonna, who also reeled out the activities lined up for the 2024 World Environment Day, pleaded with them to inform their various subjects to always dump their refuse at designated State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA points for evacuation.
“It is imperative that as we commemorate this year’s World Environment Day, we should imbibe in ourselves the habit of keeping our environment clean and green, as this will help us to key into the vision of our dear Governor for a clean, green and healthy environment devoid of communicable diseases”, Ogbonna advised.
In a brief talk, the Chairperson Committee on World Environment Day, Dr. Lady Eberechi Cecilia Osuagwu, from the Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, described Environmental cleanliness as one of the Sustainable Development Goals, and appreciated Gov. Otti for making the environment a top priority.
Dr. Osuagwu who espoused and expounded the importance of environmental cleanliness and personal hygiene, tasked the stakeholders to go against dumping refuse on flood water, as it does not only block the drains and spoil the roads, it also form a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Meanwhile, the stakeholders who gathered for the meeting have said that achieving a clean and green environment is all encompassing and not solely the responsibility of the government.
The stakeholders who include: Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, the President of Abia State Market Almagamated Traders Association (ASMATA); Chief Sir Jonathan Oguejiofor; Mrs Happiness Ikonne; Mr. Arinze Nworah; Mrs Esther Ikechukwu; representatives of Companies in Aba and Umuahia; leaders of Landlords’ Associations in Aba & Umuahia; leaders of Market Associations in Aba and Umuahia; leaders of National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW in Aba and Umuahia; leaders of Christian/Muslim Associations in Aba and Umuahia; and representatives of Schools in Aba and Umuahia, therefore expressed readiness to collaborate and work with the government to ensure that Abia environment is clean.
The stakeholders who were excited with the programmes of the state government and the activities lined up for the 2024 World Environment Day, assured to take the message of environmental cleanliness to the nooks and crannies of the state and to mobilize the people to participate in the sanitation exercise marking the World Environment Day on Wednesday, 5th June, 2024.
“We will do the needful and we will ensure that Aba will a city that all will be proud of. This world day of environment is for our own good. If the environment is good, we will have good health. That is why I asked all the market leaders to carry the message to all the markets in the state to ensure that everybody will participate actively by cleaning up their surroundings on Wednesday, the world environment day. I will also ask the Public Relations Officer of Aba Landlords to put up a message telling the Landlords the essence of the world environment day “, Chief Udeigbo assured.
