Govt honours six environmentalists

SIX distinguished Nigerians have been bestowed with Environment Friendly Awards as part of activities marking this year’s World Environment Day.

The recipients honoured at a gala night held inside the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, recently included a former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.); Mrs. Ajoke Mohammed; Chief Philip Asiodu, Chief Giwa Bisi Rodipe; Dr. Newton Jibunoh and Mr. Olatunji Oyefuga.

The event was graced by the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo who called for the proper handling of environmental problems such as flood and climate change.

Meanwhile, apparently to ensure that natural resources are not depleted by concentrating on them for consumption, especially, roots, leaves and tree for cooking purposes, environmentalists have enjoined citizens to shift their consumption patterns towards goods that use less energy, water and other resources.

The admonition came at the 2015 World Environment Day celebration organized by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), in conjunction with First City Monumental Bank (FCMB), the Chairman of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, where it was noted that it is the responsibility of all of all the stakeholders to contribute to every initiative aimed at saving the environment.

Chairman, NCF Council, Mr. Ede Dafinone, while emphasizing the need for more proactive measures to save the environment, said there is the need to take corrective measures right from homes to reduce wastage by imbibing the culture of doing everything sustainably”.

According to Dafinone, the World Environment Day, which is celebrated in over 100 countries of the world, is designed to give a human face to environmental issues; empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

The event tagged “Flora and Fauna Fancy Dress Competition” specifically addressing this year’s theme of “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet”, had about 40 schools in attendance. Amongst the features is costume parade that shows object or element of the environment.
Dafinone said he was particularly delighted with the impact this effort has been creating over the years, part of which is the replication of the idea by few environmental NGOs in Nigeria.

“Today, I have no doubt that we will all be entertained and as well educated by these wonderful and creative children. We are also seeking more partners in conservation for our laudable environmental education programmes.
“This, we are sure will help strengthen the force that drives our core environmental initiatives and also make it more impactful to the Nigerian populace”, said Adeniyi Karunwi, the Director General of the Foundation.