The global challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and emerging health risks demand urgent and sustained action.
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President Bola Tinubu stated this at the Maiden Edition of the National Environmental Health Excellence Award held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. George Akume, President Tinubu emphasized that Nigerians must embrace innovation, collaboration, and investment in sustainable solutions to safeguard the environment and public health for future generations.
“As we celebrate progress, we must also confront the urgency of this moment. The escalating climate crisis, deforestation, and pollution demand our attention and audacity. I am deeply honoured to accept the Environmental Health Leadership Excellence Award 2025. This accolade belongs not to me alone but to every stakeholder, government agencies, health professionals, civil society, and private sector partners, who have laboured tirelessly to embed sustainability into Nigeria’s development blueprint,” he said.
“Today is significant, as it celebrates individual achievements and serves as a testament to the collective strides we have made as a nation in strengthening environmental health governance,” he added.
The President urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in pursuing a healthier and more sustainable Nigeria.
“We shall continue to push the boundaries of what is possible to improve our environment and public health. My appointment as Grand Patron of the National Environment and Public Health Association of Nigeria (NEPHAN) and the title of ‘Life Fellow’ of the Society for Environmental and Public Health of Nigeria (SEPHON) are dual callings. They compel me to redouble my commitment to safeguarding our environment and championing policies prioritizing both people and the planet,” he remarked.
He emphasized that this ceremony is not merely a recognition of individual excellence but also a testament to the collective resolve to forge a Nigeria where clean air, safe water, and sustainable practices are the birthright of every citizen.
“I congratulate the Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHCON) for organizing this event,” he concluded.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Waslson Jack, highlighted the crucial role the Federal Civil Service plays in policy formulation, implementation, and enforcement of environmental regulations that contribute to a safer and healthier Nigeria.
“Within the Nigerian Civil Service,
encompassing both the federal and the state, we have established specialized caters to address these critical areas.” she said.
She noted that environmental health is pivotal to the nation’s well-being and the control of factors that may directly or indirectly affect physical, social, and mental health.
Minister of Environment Mr. Barabe Lawal said that Nigeria is positioning itself among global leaders in environmental health stewardship.
He noted the significant strides the country has made in enhancing environmental sanitation, enforcing regulations against hazardous waste, and promoting sustainable practices in industries and communities.
“As we have seen, this administration has recorded significant success in fostering a cleaner and healthier environment through policies that promote renewable energy, waste management, air and water quality standards, and enhanced public health initiatives. However, more work needs to be done. We must continue to build partnerships, encourage private sector involvement, and enhance the capacity of our environmental health professionals,” he stated.
He called on environmental health practitioners at all levels to leverage the support provided by the government through agencies like EHCON to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
“I commend the steadfastness and commitment of this administration for strengthening environmental health policies and frameworks in Nigeria. The support of the Federal Government and the exemplary excellence in environmental health has made these accomplishments possible. I congratulate the awardees for being worthy recipients of such a prestigious award. Your commitment to excellence in environmental health will remain indelible and inspirational to all of us. Let us continue to work as a team and build a healthier and more sustainable nation,” he added.
The Registrar of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba, stated that the gathering serves to give credence to and acknowledge the contributions of those who have made significant strides in the development of environmental health in Nigeria.
He further stressed that the event also marks a significant milestone, with President Tinubu receiving the highest strategic award for environmental excellence.
“This valuable award to the President is a result of his distinguished commitment to environmental health accomplishments in Nigeria, not only as a leader but also as someone who has contributed significantly to the country’s progress in this area,” he said.
Dr. Baba noted that advancing environmental sustainability and championing the cause of climate change, setting a new standard for environmental health governance, is one of the key drivers for the National Environmental Health Excellence Award.
The National Environmental Health Excellence Award also featured the unveiling of the National Environmental Health Practice Regulations (NEHPR) 2025, the launch of the Premises-based National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Monitoring Programme (NGHGEMP), and the investiture of President Bola Tinubu as Grand Patron of the Society for Environmental and Public Health of Nigeria (SEPHON).
This event marked the first of its kind in Nigeria’s Ministry of Environmental Health.
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