The Environment and Safety Management Institute (ESMI) has concluded plans to build an environment and safety research centre in Nigeria.
The Director-General of the institute, Mr. Benedict Utile, gave the assurance on Friday at the ESMI Fifth Regional Stakeholders’ Discussion on Environment and Safety.
The event held at the University of Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had the theme: “Closing Ranks For Environmental Safety and the Economic Development of Southern Nigeria’’.
Utile, represented by the ESMI National President, Mr. Martin Iorsamber, said that the environment and safety research centre would train youths in environmental stewardship in all ramifications.
According to him, the centre will provide manpower for the management of environment and safety of the country and beyond.
He said that arrangements were being made with domestic and foreign organisations to realise the dream.
He urged governments in southern Nigeria to provide urban security and safety watch systems while mobilising forces to tackle safety and security threats.
“Current efforts through the security outfit, Amotekun, although targeted at human security, are, in many ways, beneficial to environmental security,” he said.
Utile called for establishment of more government organisations to handle different areas in environmental safety at municipal, state and federal levels.
He commended the Federal Government for setting up vital agencies for environmental safety.
He urged that law enforcement agencies should collaborate more to close any gaps.
“This is the synergy we are looking forward to seeing, and we are ready to work with all agencies to coordinate this synergy.
“We are barely trying to stand and will cherish any assistance from government at all levels, individuals and organisations, to help us carry out our plans,” he said.
In his keynote address, Ondo State Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu urged more sensitisation of the people about the need to ensure a sustainable environment for economic development.
Akeredolu, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ondo State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Akin Asaniyan, said that environmental challenges, including climate change, had become causes for much concern.
He said the South West governors were committed to protecting property and lives of the citizens as one of the primary responsibilities of any government.
“We have taken the welfare of the people as central in all our endeavours, we will continue to work hard to control the impacts of climate change and other environmental hazards,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of Education, Prof. Adamu Adamu, said the theme was of interest to both local and international bodies.
Adamu, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) University of Ibadan, Prof. Ezekiel Ayoola, said that environment, health and safety of people were important issues that should concern all stakeholders.
He urged the participants to come up with solutions that would serve Southern Nigeria and the entire country.
Traditional rulers, Nigeria labour Congress participated at the event. (NAN)
