By Faridat Salifu
The federal government has reiterated its commitment to collaborating with state governments and other stakeholders to address Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, made this reiteration while receiving a Fellow and Leadership Excellence Award from the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership (CIML), USA, during a ceremony on Wednesday, November 27 in Abuja.
He described the collaborative approach as vital for creating a healthier environment, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Lawal attributed the recognition to the dedication and teamwork of the Ministry’s staff and agencies, noting that their collective contributions were instrumental in achieving significant progress in Nigeria’s environmental sector.
In his remarks, Dr. Sam Ojo, CIML Country Director, disclosed the reasons behind the awards, citing the minister’s outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to tackling environmental issues.
Dr. Ojo emphasized the critical role a healthy environment plays in ensuring economic stability, enhancing national security, and promoting public health.
He also announced CIML’s plans to train 30,000 leaders across various sectors of Nigeria’s economy, equipping them to address challenges effectively.
The wife of Osun State governor, Ngozi Adeleke, who is also a CIML fellow, decorated the minister and presented the awards, while Professor Mark Okaji handed over the certificate of recognition.
The minister commended CIML for its leadership development initiatives and expressed confidence that such efforts would enhance Nigeria’s ability to address ecological challenges through effective and informed leadership.