Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo , on Saturday bagged ‘Environment Icon Award’ alongside other stakeholders from the Environmental and energy sectors for their contributions to sustainable Environmental development.
Ezemonye received his award in Benin at an event organised by the Frontline Energy and Environmental Consultancy Services (FEECS) as the world celebrates 2021 World Environment Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vice-chancellor is a renowned Professor of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Forensics with over 30 years’ experience in research and teaching.
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He previously served as Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, at the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
In his reaction, Ezemonye, represented at the event by the Dean of Pharmacy, Igbinedion University, Okada, Prof. Ighodaro Igbe, expressed optimism for a sustainable environment for all, saying efforts are in top gear to enhance and improve environmental restoration.
“This year’s world Environment day is a campaign for restoration of mother earth in all entirety.“Ecosystems restoration amidst COVID-19 pandemic requires innovative regimes for both health and environmental safety,” he said.
The environmental expert, who is also a visiting professor to Lancaster University, United Kingdom, however, lauded the effort of the organisers of the Award to celebrate the international Environment Day.
NAN reports that the theme of the 2021 global event is “Ecosystem Restoration”.
The awardees include the Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, Executive Director, African Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev. David Ugolor, and the immediate Past Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Prof Ignatius Onimawo.
Others are Prof Babatunde Rabiu, Director/CEO, Centre for Atmospheric Research, National Space Research and Development Agency, as well as MD/CEO of Benin/Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), Mr Saliu Ahmed, among others. (NAN)
