BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Environment has commenced activities for the 2024 National Environmental Sanitation Day (NESD) at Chika community in Abuja.
Speaking at the well attended event, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, said that the move underscore government’s agenda to transform Chika into a model community for good environmental sanitation practices that can inspire positive changes in other communities.
The National Environmental Sanitation Day (NESD) is commemorated on June 28th of every year as declared by President Olusegun Obasanjo in June 2005 at the launch of the National Environmental Sanitation Policy document. This year’s NESD theme focused on “Environmental Sanitation in the Era of Climate Change and the sub-theme – Go Greener, Stay Clean, Climate Change is Real”.
According to Salako, the sub-theme “Go Greener, Stay Clean, Climate Change is Real” is not just a mere slogan, but that which serves as a powerful rallying cry and reminds us to embrace environmental sustainability with urgency, recognizing climate change not just as an environmental issue but as a humanitarian crisis threatening our health, our economies, and the very foundations of our societies.
“This annual commemoration, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with key stakeholders, serves as a national advocacy platform that highlights the importance of sanitation and hygiene as a veritable tool for disease prevention and control and an weapon in reducing the adverse effect of climate change.
“The commemoration offers the opportunity to increase awareness and the understanding of the importance of sanitation and hygiene as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases, save lives and progress towards the achievement of 2 important Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 viz: SDG3 -Good Health and Well-being and SDG6 Clean Water and Sanitation by 2030.
“This year’s theme is particularly apt considering the devastating impacts of climate change on our planet and the current resurgence of cholera being experienced in our country as in several other parts of the world. The combination of climate change and poor sanitation without doubt poses a double jeopardy to the health of our planet and all creatures on it”.
Highlighting the measures taken to contain the ongoing Cholera outbreak and policies deployed curb poor sanitation impact, the Minister said,
“As far back as 2005, The Federal Ministry of Environment, alongside key stakeholders, developed the National Environmental Sanitation Policy to address specific areas like pest control, school sanitation, and proper waste disposal. The policy prioritizes safe safe sanitation practices, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment for all. It is currently under review and will be presented to the Federal Executive Council for endorsement in days to come.
“The Federal Ministry of Environment with the enablement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has also established a special presidential initiative focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The dedicated presidential committee on climate action and green economy solutions further demonstrates the commitment of the Federal government to address climate change head-on. All these initiatives among others demonstrates the dedication of government to building a cleaner, more resilient Nigeria now and for the future.”
It will be recalled that on Saturday, 22nd June, officials of the Ministry and its partners that were at Piwoyi community in Abuja, carried out a clean-up and awareness campaign as part of the activities to mark this year’s National Environmental Sanitation Day.
Earlier, the Dakachi of Chika Village, HRH Chief Shegaje, thanked the Ministry of Environment for choosing the community to mark this year’s NESD and emphasized the community’s commitment to proper waste management and tree planting practices is not only essential for the community well-being but also very critical in mitigating the effect of climate change in their land.
Chief Shegaje, however appealed to the Ministry through its Minister to provide the community with a compartment truck to enhance their effort in proper waste disposal, just as they have succeeded in the total banning of Okada and Scavengers from the Community.
Dignitaries who participated in this year’s NESD were: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari; Dakachi of Chika Village, HRH Chief Istifanus Cheloza Shegaje; representative from Ministries of Health, Water Resources; and from Energy Commission of Nigeria; World Health Organization (WHO); Breakthrough Action amongst others.