...calls for proactive approach towards curbing environmental issues


In a bid to complement the Completion Agenda of the present administration, the Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals on Tuesday held the First-Ever Akwa Ibom State Environment Awards with the theme “Keep Akwa Ibom Beautiful Awards (KAIBA)”.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Conference room of the Ministry, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Sir Charles Udoh described the award as first of its kind in recognizing and rewarding outstanding contributions made by individuals and corporate organizations in the state towards improving environment and promoting healthy standards.

He stated that the choice of awardees were not determined by personal relationship but independently by an expert jury representing a cross-section of professionals, including leading brand owners and retailers, sustainability organisations, environmentalists, academia and industry experts.

"Today's event is very significant especially since it's the first of its kind anywhere in Nigeria. It is simply an initiative aimed at encouraging the participation of residents, citizens and corporate bodies in Environmental protection, beautification and sustainability."

Giving an insight into the IBB project and many other lofty projects undertaken by the present administration, Sir Charles Udoh thanked His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel for being an environmental friendly Governor.

" Our Ministry's success today is all due to the huge investment made by our environmental friendly Governor His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel and we owe him a great depth of thanks."

He also urged citizens of the state to be proactive at all times in the protection and safeguarding of the environment.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Rt. Hon. Orman Esin and Commissioner for Power and Petroleum Resources, Dr. John James commended the initiative by the Ministry describing it as a right step in the right direction. They commended the recipients of the award and encouraged them to do more.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, the representative of Zenith Bank commended the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for providing a friendly environment where businesses can grow. He also thanked the Ministry for being able to interpret the vision of the present administration and promised to partner more with them for the growth of the state.

In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nsudoh Nsudoh thanked all key players for their support and urged citizens to be proactive in the protection of the environment.

Highlight was the presentation of award to recipients according to their various categories.

The award categories and recipients were: Award Categories are :

1. Most Environment Friendly Bank ~ Zenith Bank Plc

2. Most Environment Friendly Construction Company: - Nigerpet Structures Ltd

3. Most Environment Friendly Local Government Council Chairman: Arc. Iniobong Oruk, Chairman Nsit Ubium LGA

4. Most Environment Friendly Local Government Council Office ~ Uyo LGA

5. Most Environment Friendly Hotel ~ Signature by Royalty

6. Most Environment Friendly Eatery -Chicken Republic

7. Most Environment friendly Radio Station - Passion Fm

8. Environment Reporter of the Year - Radio
Kesiena Eboh Simpson (Keke), Inspiration Fm

9. Environment Reporter of the Year - TV
Idongesit Ikono, AIT

10. Environment Partner of the Year - Individual
Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd), SSA on Security

11. Environment Partner of the Year - Corporate - China Road Bridges and Corporation (CRBC)

12. Environment Design Company of the Year
PRELIM CONSULTIING

Dignitaries at the event include the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Orman Esin, Commissioner for Power and Petroleum Resources, Dr. John James, Chairman, Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, Chairman, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Arc. Iniobong Oruk, Head Quality/Environmental Health Standards Chicken Republic, Mr. Olawuyi Kazeem, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Nsudoh Nsudoh, Managing Director of Nigerpet Structures Ltd, Mr. Sunday Popoola, Senior Special Assistant on Security, Capt. Iniobong Ekong, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare ably represented by Director of Admin, Mrs Anietie Archibong, environmental stakeholders, partners, directors from ministry, among others.

©️ Edidiong Williams, Uyo

Ok congratulations to chicken Republic Eatery.