The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal has inaugurated the Governing Council of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN).
Performing the inauguaration on Tuesday in Abuja, the body has been given the task of seperating professionals from the quacks.
The minister emphasised the significance of the Institute in fostering quality, standards, and professionalism among environmental practitioners in Nigeria. Mr Olusanya Olubunmi, Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department, represented the Minister at the occasion.
Although he admitted that the process of establishing the Institute was lengthy, he expressed hope that the visionary members of the Governing Council would be able to propel the goals and ideals that led to the institute’s founding.
Earlier, in a statement signed by the National President, Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Dr Efegbidiki Okobia, and the National President Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON), it was stated that
“The establishment of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners aims to address the pressing need for Professionalism, comprehensive research, education, and action to combat environmental challenges.
“The institute will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovative solutions to safeguard our planet’s health and resilience.
“The IEPN Bill was first initiated in 1999 by the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES).
“It was signed into Act in 2024 during the tenure of the present NES leadership led by Dr Okobia and WAMASON led by Akpabio Essien.”
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