By Dele Ogbodo
The new Minister of Environment, Mr. Lawal Balarabe on Wednesday officially assumed office in official capacity even as he expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust and confidence placed on him to lead the Ministry.
Ostensibly setting his agenda, he pledged to restore Nigeria to greener and cleaner nation and at the same time fight climate change which has become the hot button in political discourse for the greater good of all and economic development.
He acknowledged that the negative impact of climate change if not address can lead to negative environmental consequences.
Addressing a cross section of the Ministry staff at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja, Lawal, while appreciating his Minister of State, Dr. Iziaq Salako and the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ibrahim Yusuf, he said he is convinced that they will work as a team to sustain and advance the achievements recorded so far.
He said: “I want to commend the exceptional work that has been done by this Ministry in the past. Your passion, dedication, and expertise have helped us make significant strides towards a greener and cleaner nation.
“It is my belief that a healthy environment is not just a matter of sustainability, but also a fundamental right of every citizen. It is our duty to ensure that this right is protected and upheld.”
While reiterating President Tinubu’s speech at the recently concluded 78th United Nation General Assembly (UNGA), he added that Nigeria will fight Climate Change by building political consensus through highlighting remedial actions which will promote broader economic good.
“Therefore, projects such as ‘The Great Green Wall’ to stop desert encroachment and other similar measures that advances our economic goals and climate change objectives are going to be our priority.
“As we enter this new chapter, there will undoubtedly be challenges ahead. Climate change, deforestation, air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity – these are all critical issues that demand our immediate attention. We cannot afford to be complacent or delay action any longer. Our planet is sending us distress signals, and it is our responsibility to act swiftly and decisively.
“To achieve our goals, we must foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity within the ministry.
“Our success will depend on our ability to work together as a team, leveraging each other’s expertise and ideas. I encourage open communication and the sharing of knowledge across all levels of the Ministry. Let us create a safe space for creativity, where new ideas can flourish and be transformed into meaningful action.
“In the coming days, I will be reaching out to each of you individually to gain insights into your areas of expertise, concerns, and recommendations. Your experiences and perspectives are essential to shaping our policies and strategies moving forward. I believe in meritocracy and that every one of you has a valuable contribution to make.”
According to him, government’s fight for a sustainable future is not limited to the walls of this ministry. It requires a unified effort from all sectors of society. We have to collaborate with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the federal government. We have to provide leadership in the areas of environmental sustainability in all the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), he added.
Balarabe, said: “Our time is now. We have a historic opportunity to create a legacy of environmental stewardship for future generations. Let us be brave, bold, and unwavering in our pursuit of sustainable development.
“The work we do here is not just for us today, but for the benefit of every human being, animal, and plant life that calls this planet home. We have to partner with non-government agencies and the international community to achieve our goals.
“The media will also play a vital role in galvanizing support for some of our policies, programs and projects.
“Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our environment. I am honored to serve as your Minister and I look forward to working alongside each and every one of you to create a brighter, greener future for our country. Together, we will work tirelessly to protect our environment, address the challenges we face, and build a sustainable future for our country.”