….As Ondo State hosts World Environmental Sanitation Day Leadership Conference.
The Chartered Institute of Management Leadership, USA, has honoured the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa with an Award of the Most Impactful Governor in Environmental Sustainability In Nigeria.
Similarly, Aiyedatiwa was appointed a fellow, Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership, USA, while the Chairman, Ondo State Waste Management Board, Mrs Yinka Alabi, also becomes the institute’s Fellow.
The decoration of the Governor took place in Akure on Saturday, the state capital during the World Environmental Sanitation Day Leadership Conference which was organized by the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria.
Accepting the honour Governor Aiyedatiwa who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Olaide Adelami, gave an assurance that the conferment of the Distinguished Fellow of the Institute (FCIML) and the CIML Leadership Award of Excellence would spur him to do more in promoting excellence in governance and environmental related issues.
Aiyedatiwa described the awards are a recognition of his administration’s policies and initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, good governance and innovation in Ondo State.
He expressed appreciation to the institute for the double honour noting that they would spur him in doing more for the people and the environment assuring of true representation of the institute and unwavering support for the environment.
The governor while speaking on the theme of the conference, said, “Our commitment to creating a paradigm shift in environmental management and sustainability has yielded significant dividends, positioning our State as a beacon of excellence in environmental sustainability and development.
“Creating Sustainability and Wealth in a Changing Dynamic World,” according to him, is in line with his administration’s vision for a prosperous and sustainable Ondo State,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa applauded members of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria for their selfless efforts in promoting environmental awareness, capacity building and advocacy which he said have contributed to the collective pursuit of a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment.
In a remark, the Minister for Environment, Abass Lawal Balarabe represented by Dr. Rotimi Adeyemi lauded Ondo State for being the first state in Nigeria to celebrate the world Environmental Sanitation Day, saying it has set a pace for others in Nigeria to follow.
The minister called on government to increase the workforce in environmental sanitation adding that it embraces the creation of wealth from waste.
The Registrar/CEO, Environmental Health Council, Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba expressed satisfaction with the Governor’s impactful policies in the environment sector.
Baba said “Ondo State remains one of the few states in Nigeria who have increased environmental maintenance and waste management. Ondo State is ensuring the green house effects.”
In her goodwill message, Chairman, Ondo State Waste Management Board, Mrs Yinka Alabi explained that environment sanitation cannot be ignored in Nigeria stating that it remains a fundamental pillar of public health, socio-economic stability, and ecological balance.
Highlighting some of the strategic initiatives that have been undertaken by the present government, Alabi listed
community clean-up campaigns,
market-based hygiene education programs, waste management innovation projects, flood control and training and capacity building among others.
Alabi noted that efforts are in place by government to buy more waste collection trucks and build recycling plants to keep the environment clean, create jobs, and boost revenue.
She called on to embrace environmental responsibility saying “together, we can build a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment. One action at a time and One community at a time can be our starting point.”
At the event, Alabi was also decorated as “Fellow, Environmental Health Officer”
The Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Olumide Kinga, General Manager, Ondo State Waste Management Authority, Mr. Fola Omowole and other dignitaries graced the occasion.
