The Federal Ministry of Environment has announced its partnership with the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN), in a move to promote environmental sustainability.
The Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal, disclosed this collaboration during the inauguration of the institute’s 1st Governing Council in Abuja.
The director of pollution control and environmental health, Dr. Olubunmi Olusanya representing the ministry, affirmed the commitment to unlocking the potential of the environmental sector and regulating environmental professionalism. He stressed the importance of distinguishing professionals from impostors and expressed confidence in the pioneer Governing Council members’ ability to achieve the institute’s objectives.
Lawal urged the new Governing Council to implement programmes and policies to raise professional standards and differentiate professionals from impostors. He highlighted the necessity of ensuring that all individuals in the field are registered, documented and adhere to established professional ethics.
In a goodwill message, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, Sen. Akintunde Abiodun tasked the council with promoting ethics and professionalism among environmental practitioners. He emphasised that upholding ethical standards would enhance the Institute’s reputation and earn it the respect given to other professional bodies.
In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed president and chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye described his appointment as the beginning of a new era in environmental governance and ecosystem management in Nigeria. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the Institute in regulating its members’ activities for the preservation of the Nigerian environment.
Ezemonye emphasised the urgent need to address climate change challenges and the crucial role of environmental protection. He underscored the council’s core mandate of ensuring environmental justice by regulating the activities of environmental users.
Ezemonye, who is also the vice-chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, lauded the Nigerian government for enacting the IEPN Act into Law, marking a significant milestone in environmental regulation and sustainability. He reiterated the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to protect the Nigerian environment for future generations.
