Buhari lauds Environmental Society for ensuring safe environment
NAN-AE-4
Society
Ebere Agozie
Abuja, Nov. 4, 2016 (NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) on its activities in ensuring a safe environment in Nigeria.
Buhari made the commendation in his opening speech at the 25th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Environmental Society on Friday in Abuja.
He was represented by the Minister of Environment, Hajiya Amina Mohammed.
“I congratulate the President and members of the NES for tenaciously ensuring that the issues of the environment remain on the front burner of government policies.
“I think that the theme of this conference, “Sustainability Development and Stakeholders Participation in Green Economy” could not have come at a better time.
“Because in September I signed the Paris agreement during the 71st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Green Economy which was reached at the conference of the parties held in December 2015 in Paris,” Buhari said.
The President noted that the signing of the agreement was a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
He said government was seeking effective ways to lead the nation out of its present economic and meteorological problems and that at this point, the role of stakeholders in the Green Economy can not be over emphasised.
“This administration is highly committed to addressing the issues concerning our environment which are being driven by the Federal Ministry of Environment which is also one of the key points of the change agenda of this administration.
“Stakeholders such as NGO’s, and the media can provide much needed independent assessments and messages on the much needed development path that we must follow.
“They can also create awareness on the involvement that helps in the dissemination of the best practice that brings together a greater and more trustworthy knowledge that we must share.”
He, however, said that Nigeria cannot transit to a great economy without the active participation of the private sector.
“That is the key driver of the diversification of our economy and the ultimate goal of the Green Economy in Nigeria is to achieve improved human well being and social equity,” he said.
Earlier, the President of NES, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye said that the choice of the theme was in consonance with the green economy postulated by the UN environmental programme.
“This simply dictates that in the course of development we must ensure the well being of the individuals and the surrounding environment.
“And the NES is here to foster and promote the profession of Environmental science and Engineering in theory and practice.
“NES promotes public understanding and encourages a sound national policy in matters relating to environmental quality control,” he said.
Highlights of the events included a Gbagi cultural dance display and investiture of awardees.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some the awardees included Gov. Okey Ikpeazu of Abia State, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, amongst others. (NAN)
EPA/ACO/AFA
Edited by Oluleye Abiodun/Felix Ajide
============================