By Kemi Olatunde
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The need to build the needed knowledge, techniques and skills to address complex environmental issues in order to improve the environment has been stressed.
Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Sunday Akinwalire spoke while declaring open a two-day workshop for accredited environmental consultants and key staff of the state Ministry of Environment in Akure .
According to him, it is important to keep the environment safe, healthy and sustainable for future generations noting that quality of environmental assessment report by consultants speaks volume of the reporters and direction towards perfection.
While stating that government is putting in place measures to improve the domestication of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), he explained that it is necessary for stakeholders to noted the section 20 of the Nigerian Constitution which according to him states that state is obligated to protect and improve the environment and safeguard the water, air, land, forest and wildlife of the country noting that it has necessitated various legislation aimed at promoting sustainable development.
He said that a part of the EIA act encourages coexistence of human race adding that a subsection of the Ondo State Laws 2006 mandates the use of EIA studies as a management tool for all major developments which in turn leads to sustainable environment.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Bunmi Alade in his welcome address stated that the theme; ”standardisation of environmental assessment process in Ondo State” is apt noting that it will help in improving the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in the state.
According to him, the exercise is a resolve of government in ensuring that stakeholders embrace sustainable development culture through the instrumentality of environmental assessment studies.
In his goodwill message, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Oyeniyi Oseni noted that the event targets bridging the gap in the environment sector through participants’ engagement with stakeholders in order to facilitate improvement.
Representative of the General Manager, Ondo State Waste Management Authority, Mr. Kunle Olajumbu commended the Ministry for putting in place the event to enable participants acquire a better way of knowledge in their area of expertise.
Chairman, Association of Accredited Environmental Consultants in Ondo State, Chief Julius Jemilugba expressed appreciation to members for their cooperation for the event hoping that it assists participants in making the environment for all.
