Igbinedion varsity VC , Ezemonye
emerges First President, Chairman of Council Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN)
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
Environmental expert and
Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye on Tuesday emerged the First President and Chairman of Governing Council of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN).
In his acceptance speech at the inauguration ceremony of the 1st Governing Council of IEPN in Abuja, Ezemonye, a Professor of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Forensics noted that his coming on board marks the beginning of a new era in Environmental Governance and Ecosystem Management in Nigeria.
“It is with great joy and gratitude to Almighty God that I stand to respond and formally accept the responsibility of shepherding this significant Institute saddled with the responsibility of regulating the activities of its members in the protection of the Nigerian environment.
“It was not an easy task going through the process of signing the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria establishment Act into Law.
This new dawn which is heralded by the inauguration of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN) is driven strongly by the passion for corporate environmental stewardship and justice.
“The mission of the Institute is very clear, interrogating ecological evaluations, ecological integrity, environmental management, restoration, remediation, protection, sustainability and stewardship as the Nigerian environment is in dire need of our intervention.” Ezemonye said.
The President and Chairman of Governing Council of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria commended the Federal Government for signing the IEPN Act into Law.
He also hailed Ex- President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their contributions towards environmental sustainability projects in the country.
Ezemonye also expressed appreciation to other stakeholders including the Chairman of Senate Committee on Environment and Hon. Fellow of Nigerian Environmental Society; Hon. Obinna Chidoka, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Environment and Habitat; members of the National Assembly; Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, one-time Minster of Environment; Board of Trustees, Executives, Fellows and members of Nigerian Environmental Society and Waste Management Society of Nigeria for their roles in driving sanity and sanctity in the practice of environmental protection, conservation, remediation and restoration to the Nigeria environment.
The members of the governing council of IEPN includes, President of the Institute- Lawrence Ezemonye, VIce President – Chukwukeluo Chukwuogo, Registrar – Yakubu Waziri, Treasurer – Paul Akporowho, Legal Adviser – Ifunaya Charity, amongst others.
In his specch, Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal,represented by Dr Olubunmi Olusanya, Director Pollution Control and Environmental Health in the ministry assured that they would unlock all the potentials in the environment sector and regulate environmental professionalism.