The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Dr. Yakubu Baba, has been recognised for what stakeholders describe as his “transformative leadership” in advancing environmental health governance and preventive healthcare delivery in the country.
Dr Baba was honoured with an Award of Excellence by the North-East Youth Consultative Forum, in acknowledgement of his sustained efforts to strengthen environmental sanitation systems and improve public health standards amid growing environmental challenges.
The recognition ceremony, held at EHCON headquarters in Abuja, drew commendations from stakeholders who said; “the award reflects increasing national concern over environmental health management and the need for stronger institutional response.’
Dr. Baba used the occasion to reaffirm EHCON’s strategic focus on prevention-driven healthcare, stressing that the Council has intensified interventions targeting both emerging and recurring environmental health threats across Nigeria.
He said; “EHCON remains committed to proactive health management through innovative programmes designed to reduce environmental risks and safeguard communities nationwide.”
“The Council has remained at the forefront of preventive health, driving new initiatives to address emerging and re-emerging challenges.
“The Council has been at the forefront of preventive health, driving new initiatives to address emerging and re-emerging challenges,” he said.
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Dr. Baba noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises about 24 areas of environmental health practice under the Council’s regulatory mandate. He added that contemporary issues such as climate change and health have now become integral components of the Council’s operations.
“Given current global realities, critical issues like climate change and health have been integrated into our operations. This also includes Health Impact Assessment as an integral component of Environmental Impact Assessments,” he stated.
The EHCON Registrar further disclosed that the Council is undergoing strategic reforms aimed at strengthening its capacity to respond effectively to modern public and environmental health challenges.
He explained that the restructuring process involves building institutional structures, strengthening human resources, and enhancing policy and regulatory frameworks to meet evolving national needs.
“One of our major focus areas right now, driven by the challenge of global warming, is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which we are actively pursuing through Public-Private Partnerships,” he said.
Expressing appreciation for the recognition, Dr. Baba described the award as particularly meaningful because it came from youths within his home region.
He pledged continued collaboration with the forum and promised to support efforts aimed at accessing international youth empowerment opportunities and funding.
Earlier, President of the North-East Youth Consultative Forum, Paul Samaila Bayo, commended Dr. Baba’s leadership, describing him as a source of pride and inspiration to the region.
“You are a pillar of the North-East region, and we are proud to describe you as the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of our time,” Bayo said.
He explained that the award was a testament to the forum’s appreciation of Dr. Baba’s outstanding service and impact, urging him to sustain his commitment to excellence and national development.
The ceremony attracted officials of the Council and members of the youth forum, who praised Dr. Baba’s contributions to environmental health governance and youth development initiatives.
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