The Nigerian Environmental Society, Abeokuta Chapter, has inducted 37 new members, charging them to uphold professional ethics and contribute to efforts to protect the environment.
The induction was held on Wednesday as part of the chapter’s 3rd Annual Lecture Series and Induction Ceremony at Event Tower, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The event, themed “Advancing Environmental Innovation and Partnerships for a Sustainable Future,” brought together environmental professionals, government officials, regulators, academics and industry stakeholders.
Among those inducted were officials and professionals from the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and other institutions.
The Chairperson of the NES Abeokuta Chapter, Alhaji Chief Jamiu Adebayo Badmos, FNES, performed the induction.
In his charge to the new members, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Oladimeji Oresanya, urged them to uphold the ethics of the profession and ensure that their expertise was deployed in the interest of environmental protection.
Delivering the keynote address virtually from Kenya, the Managing Director of Anoh Gas Processing Plant Limited, Makinde James Adeniran, congratulated the inductees and urged them to become worthy ambassadors of the profession.
Adeniran also assured the society of his company’s continued support.
The General Manager, Health, Safety and Environment, Seplat Energy, Dr Adeshina Sadiq, in a goodwill message, commended the chapter for bringing together professionals from different sectors.
Sadiq, who joined the event virtually, urged members to operate within the rules and principles contained in the society’s constitution.
Another speaker, Dr Mrs Olatunji Omowumi, called for greater proactiveness among environmental professionals, stressing that environmental management required the collective efforts of government, industry, professionals, communities and other stakeholders.
Also speaking, a retired Professor of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof T.A. Arowolo, warned that the present generation had a responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.
Arowolo said the Earth remained the only known habitable planet for humans and should therefore be managed sustainably to ensure a healthier environment for generations yet unborn.
He said, “The present generation must leave responsibly because it is only the planet Earth that is livable for humans. We should nourish it sustainably so that generations yet unborn will live better and healthier.”
Earlier, Badmos said the chapter had grown to more than 200 members and had strengthened its collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Environment, NESREA, industries, academic institutions, regulatory agencies and civil society organisations.
He said the chapter had also secured and equipped a dedicated office and opened a bank account as part of efforts to strengthen its institutional capacity, accountability and financial independence.
Badmos described the growth in membership as an indication of increasing recognition of environmental professionalism and the importance of collective action in tackling environmental challenges.
According to him, the chapter has also intensified its engagement with the media to improve public awareness and advocacy on environmental issues.
He said challenges such as climate change, pollution, plastic waste, biodiversity loss, urbanisation, industrialisation and ecosystem degradation required innovative solutions and stronger partnerships.
Badmos stressed that no single institution could effectively address the environmental challenges confronting Ogun State and Nigeria.
He called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, industries, professional bodies, academia, communities, civil society organisations and development partners.
The chapter chairman urged the newly inducted members to regard their induction as a call to professional service rather than merely an achievement.
He charged them to contribute to environmental knowledge, promote professional integrity and participate actively in initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development.
The society said it would continue to promote research, innovation, mentorship, environmental advocacy and partnerships while supporting the programmes of the national body.
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