By Stephen Adeleye.
A non governmental organization, the Petroleum, Environment and Solid Minerals Degradation Awareness Association (PESMDAA), has inaugurated its State and Local Government Executives on Thursday in Lokoja.
In his remarks, National Chairman of PESMDAA, Dr Robert Adah, said the inauguration being done simultaneously across the 36 States of the Federation, marked another significant milestone in the collective quest for environmental responsibility and sustainable development.
Adah, who was represented by the PESMDAA Commissioner, Kogi State, Alh. Acheku Yusuf, said the inauguration was a call to action, commitment to lead with integrity and purpose in addressing the degradation that has plagued the petroleum, environment, and solid minerals sectors.
“Our presence here today underlines a shared understanding, that the health of our environment is non-negotiable, and the future of our communities depends on how wisely we manage natural resources.
“The theme guiding our efforts remains resolute: ‘Sensitization to Eliminate Degradation and Irregularities in the Petroleam, Environment, and Solid Minerals Sectors’.
“This speaks not only to our goals, but to our values transparency, sustainability, and collaboration.
“We recognize that these sectors are pivotal to our state’s economic vitality. Yet, we cannot ignore the environmental cost that often accompanies unchecked exploitation.
“PESMDAA stands as an a beacon of awareness, education, and advocacy fostering a culture of accountability and forward-thinking solutions,” he said.
Adah urged all the State and LG officials and relevant stakeholders to see themselves as key drivers of the movement, saying, their voice, influence, and decisions would shape the desired future.
He added: “Let us work hand-in-hand to build systems that not only generate prosperity but preserve the ecosystems that sustain life.
“Let this inauguration be the beginning of real impact of voices raised, policies shaped, and actions taken in defense of our environment and in service of our people”.
Speaking on his own capacity as State Commissioner of PESMDAA, Alh. Acheku Yusuf, urged the officials to strictly adhered to the rules and regulations, and avoid taking laws into their own hands.
In their separate remarks, the Kogi Commissioner for Solid Minerals & Natural Resources, Engr Bashir Gegu; and his counterparts in Environment and Ecological Management, Engr Olusegun Joseph, both promised their readiness to partner with PESMDAA in achieving its mandates.
Gegu, who was represented by the ministry’s Director of Geological Services, Mrs Atinuke Onimode, stressed the need for all relevant stakeholders to collaborate at all levels to ensure that everything works to safeguarding the environment.
On his part, the Environment commissioner, who was represented the ministry’s Director Environment, Enoch Aboje, emphasised that PESMDAA’s sensitisation would create more awareness on the danger involved in unwholesome practices and put a check to them.
This, he said would create a sustainable environment for the people and the unborn generations.
Also speaking, the Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kogi Command, CC Esther Akinlade, commended PESMDAA for the initiative, saying it was timely and critical to safety, and sustainable community development.
Akinlade, who was represented by Deputy Commandant Paul Irefin, urged PESMDAA to create a platform for sharing knowledge, building network and partnership to strengthening community vigilance against such threats.
Other stakeholders at the event include: representatives of the Department of State Security Services (DSS); Miners Association of Nigeria, and Kogi State House of Assembly Committee Clerk on Solid Minerals, Mrs Martina Ajayi. Am
The highlight of the occasion was the official inauguration of all the State/LG Excos of the 21 LGAs, with the oath of office administered by the State Legal Adviser, PESMDAA, Barr. Adejoh Isah.
PESMDAA is an organization focused on promoting awareness about the degradation of the environment caused by petroleum and solid mineral activities. Their mission involves fostering a culture of sustainability within the industry.
PESMDAA’s work is crucial in highlighting the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability in the extractive industry.
By promoting awareness and best practices, PESMDAA contributes to a more environmentally responsible approach to petroleum and solid mineral activities.
