ODSG SENSITISES STAKEHOLDERS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

 ODSG SENSITISES STAKEHOLDERS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

In a bid to find a workable and implementable solutions to the challenges of environmental assessment of all sectors in the state, the Akeredolu led Administration has held a one day  sensitization for selected stakeholders from various strata in the state to ensure their operations were in conformity with the relevant provision of Environmental Laws.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Sunday Akinwalire who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chief Bunmi Slade said environmental assessment covers a wide range of areas that challenge our collective abilities to evolve innovative and sustainable approaches to promote socio economic and environmental management in the state.

Akinwalire described Environmental Assessment as the process of identifying, estimating and evaluating the environmental impacts of existing and proposed projects by conducting environmental studies, to mitigate the relevant negative effects prior to making and implementing decisions.. 

 The Commissioner said the strong commitment of the present administration  to environmental protection and conservation by fostering safe and conducive environment for both investors and citizens  was the establishment of Amotekun Security Network 

  Akinwalire said the provision of Amphibious Excavators to each Senatorial District of the state to combat the challenges of flood and erosion ravaging the state and protect lives and properties of it's citizenry is another evidence of the state government commitment to Environment protection.

He therefore appealed to the stakeholders to  be transparent and remain accountable in different intervention measures  saying the need to reassess the methods adopted in the past is of importance to the society.

In his speech, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chief Bunmi Alade who spoke through the Director, Legal Service Department, Mrs. Stella Adegoke, opined that  the workshop of this nature  is very important and sancrosant at this very time  in order to combat the  challenges facing environment globally. 

Chief Alade stated that, the Ministry is saddled with the responsibilities of carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Management Plan (EMP), Post Impact Assessment (PIA) and Impact Mitigation Monitoring (IMM) of all developmental projects within the state with the aim to protect the environment and minimise the risks of business activities to the environment.

In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser on Environment, Hon Oyeniyi Oseni, represented by Assistant Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Funmi Faruwa, said the purpose of environmental assessment is to ensure that decision makers consider Environmental Impact Assessment when taken decision on whether to proceed on a project or not, noting that stakeholders should take cognisance of environmental assessment of any project , it's  importance and weigh the environmental effects before embarking on it.

The Guest Speaker, Professor Ayo Olajuyigbe, in his lecture, recommended that continuous dialogue among the Investors and Regulators for a better understanding of the need for Environmental Assessment and synergy among all the Regulators both at Federal and State levels, would enable them to achieve a common goal and move the state forward.

Speaking on behalf of the Stakeholders, the General Manager AKIAVIC Hotel, Mr. Philip Bitrus, said, the workshop really exposed him to  importance of Environmental Assessment.

 He urged the state government to extend the sensitization/awareness to social media and other relevant media organisations and as well  harmonized the activities of regulators so as to encourage the Stakeholders on the issues relating to  environmental impact assessment.