By Dele Ogbodo
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, has lauded the Federal Government through the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON’s) unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable environmental health services and ensuring safety across the country.
The Council is being superintendent by the Federal Ministry of Environment, under the leadership of Mr. Balarabe Lawal, who is the supervising Minister.
She also highlighted the pivotal role of the Federal Civil Service in policy formulation, implementation, and enforcement of environmental regulations aimed at promoting a healthier Nigeria.
Walson-Jack, made these remarks on Tuesday, during the National Environmental Health Award event organized by the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) where she bagged, “The Govern Impact Award” for her distinguished leadership role in the Federal Civil Service.
The event held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.
Expressing her gratitude, the HCSF noted, “This award is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our civil servants across the nation.
“I dedicate this award to all public servants, acknowledging their relentless efforts in transforming the Federal Civil Service for the betterment of all Nigerians.
“Together, we will continue to strive for excellence and uphold the highest standards of public service.”
She further emphasized the government’s commitment to environmental health and safety by establishing specialized cadres within the Nigerian Civil Service to address challenges in the sector.
These include Environmental Health Officers, Public Health Officers, Sanitation Officers, Environmental Scientists, and Technologists, who work in Federal and State Ministries of Environment and Health, as well as regulatory agencies.
Walson- Jack commended these professionals for their tireless efforts in safeguarding the environment and ensuring public health.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the highest prestigious award of leegend of Environmental Health Sustainability to President Bola Tinubu, in recognition of his leadership and dedication to implementing sustainable solutions to protect Nigeria’s environment and public health for future generations.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu unveiled four transformative initiatives designed to accelerate Nigeria’s environmental health agenda including: The National Environmental Health Regulation 2024: A comprehensive framework addressing pollution, waste management, and sanitation challenge.
Also, The Greenhouse Gas Emission Register: A data-driven tool to monitor and reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint.
Others are: The Carbon Analysis Framework: A roadmap guiding industries toward renewable energy and sustainable practices and the Carbon Print Certificates: A national standard recognizing eco-conscious businesses and communities.
The President urged all Nigerians to embrace environmental stewardship and redefine the nation’s progress through sustainable practices. He also commended EHCON for its dedication to protecting communities from preventable diseases, climate risks, and ecological threats.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal, acknowledged President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to environmental health reforms and standards.
He applauded the awardees for their exemplary contributions and urged them to continue being ambassadors of sustainable environmental practices.
