By Faridat Salifu
In a recent statement, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized the critical role of the environment in shaping human health.
During a meeting with a delegation from the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, led by Prof. Akinade Olatunji in Abuja on Tuesday, 2024, the Minister highlighted that a healthy environment is essential for all aspects of human existence.
Dr. Salako reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening its Planning, Research, and Statistics Department to address urgent environmental issues through strategic research initiatives.
He emphasized the need to raise awareness among the public about environmental concerns such as flooding, pollution, erosion control, land degradation, deforestation, and climate change.
The Minister advocated for proactive measures such as tree planting, forest protection against illegal logging, and the preservation of wildlife and ecosystems.
He commended the collaborative efforts between the Ministry and various organizations as crucial for finding sustainable solutions to environmental challenges both in Nigeria and globally.
Prof. Akinade Olatunji, President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the Ministry’s mandate as outlined in the Performance Bond with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He called for a comprehensive approach rather than superficial remedies to address environmental issues and assured the Ministry of the Society’s partnership and support.
Additionally, Prof. Olatunji extended invitations to the Minister to attend the 59th Annual International Conference and Exhibition in Jos from 18th to 20th March 2024, and the 39th International Conference on Environmental Geochemistry and Health in Abuja from 30th June to 5th July 2024.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and stakeholders, including the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, reflects a shared commitment to achieving a sustainable and healthy environment for all.