The Federal Ministry of Environment and the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN) have joined forces to champion environmental sustainability. This dynamic collaboration was unveiled by Mr. Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, during the inauguration of the institute’s inaugural Governing Council in Abuja.
Dr. Olubunmi Olusanya, representing the Ministry, reiterated their dedication to harnessing the potential of the environmental sector and ensuring professionalism through regulation. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing genuine professionals from pretenders and expressed confidence in the abilities of the council members to steer the institute towards its goals.
In his address, Mr. Lawal urged the newly appointed Governing Council to devise programs and policies aimed at elevating professional standards and weeding out impostors. He stressed the imperative of registering and documenting all practitioners while adhering to established ethical codes.
Senator Akintunde Abiodun, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment, highlighted the significance of ethical conduct among environmental practitioners in building the institute’s credibility and garnering respect akin to other professional bodies.
Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, the newly appointed president and chairman of the Governing Council, hailed his appointment as a watershed moment for environmental governance in Nigeria. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the institute in regulating its members’ activities for the betterment of Nigeria’s environment.
Prof. Ezemonye highlighted the pressing need to tackle climate change challenges and emphasized the council’s duty in ensuring environmental justice through the regulation of environmental activities. He commended the Nigerian government for enacting the IEPN Act into Law, marking a significant stride towards environmental regulation and sustainability. Prof. Ezemonye reiterated the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in safeguarding Nigeria’s environment for generations to come.
