Senator Douye Diri, the governor of Bayelsa State, has emphasized the necessity for coordinated efforts in putting laws and programs designed to protect the environment into place in order to encourage healthy living throughout the nation.
Diri said that poverty reduction and environmental conservation were interconnected and needed to be treated seriously during the 2022 World Environment Day, which was observed yesterday in Yenagoa with the theme "Only One Earth."
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, denounced environmental abuses such tree cutting, careless bush burning, the unwholesome use of chemicals in food, and illicit petroleum product refining.
He urged everyone on the planet to treat the environment with respect while reassuring them that the government would continue to support all initiatives aimed at preserving the environment.
The Bayelsa Chief Executive stated that tremendous progress would be made in the benefit of the entire state if government efforts to protect the environment were maintained.
The state helmsman instructed the ministries of land and housing and the environment to set aside land for the construction of a top-notch eco-laboratory and the opening of the Bayelsa Central Nursery, respectively.
"The Commissioner for Environment had highlighted encouraging indications and trends that, in my opinion, if maintained and strengthened over time, would present Bayelsa State with the chance to advance the narrative for a more sustainable future for all of us." The government of prosperity remains committed to providing the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment and sister organizations with the necessary resources to carry out their mission to monitor and protect the environment.
"Since there is only one earth, we must be aware of the need to conserve it. We all need to prioritize environmental issues. I urge everyone to act appropriately when interacting with the environment. The government would continue to carry out its responsibility to safeguard the environment, he stressed.
Chief Iselema Gbaranbiri, the commissioner for the environment, said in his opening remarks that the government was aware of the need to safeguard the environment, which is why it had deployed a new legal system and policy framework that would be announced soon.
He thanked Diri for helping the ministry reach its objectives and promised her that they would not rest on their laurels but instead make greater efforts to keep the environment relatively safe.
He praised local and foreign businesses for their initiatives to give back to the communities where they operate, but he also urged for greater coordination between the businesses, the locals, and the state government.
Prof. Meeting Andaowei, dean of the faculty of environmental sciences at Niger Delta University, spoke at the occasion and urged for the implementation of environmental protection laws as well as the promotion of environmental education in schools.
Andaowei also mentioned the establishment of environmental advocacy groups and the dismantling of the supply chain for illegally refined goods as potential answers to the state's environmental problems.
Among other speakers, environmentalist Chief Okolo Ogobiriowei and State House of Assembly Committee on Environment Chairman Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo emphasized the necessity for deliberate actions like tree planting to repair the degraded environment.
