| Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Sir. Charles Udoh |
Akwa Ibom State Government is set to participate in a World Climate Change Conference billed for 31st October in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Sir. Charles Udoh made this known Thursday, when the 2021NUJ Press Week Committee paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
Sir. Udoh said that Akwa Ibom State would be part of the Conference to showcase the state’s natural resources and attract partnership.
He said that Akwa Ibom state government is undeterred in bringing a permanent solution to its ecological problems, one of which he listed to include the IBB Flood Control Project, the largest flood control project going on in Nigeria.
” One critical thing about IBB flood control project is that , unlike other flood control systems that we have done in the past, we are doing it with medium long term vision.” While explaining that, the project will bring an end to the flood at Atiku Abubakar through the ongoing drainage programme at the front of the state secretariat,Idongesit Nkanga , Sir Udoh assured of a free flood environment in no distant date.
He also disclosed that the state government has awarded contract for the construction of the Ikpa Road ‘s Gully Erosion Site,adding that it encompasses Ikpa Road Vicinity, the Science Park and adjoining areas.
The Commissioner who reiterated that issues on Environment should not be left in the hands of government alone advocated for public education, sensitization and proper attitude on environment to ameliorate the ongoing environmental crisis.
While calling for all hands to be on deck, the Environment Boss added that the Environmental Health Officers on their part are monitoring and also ensuring that eateries and other food outlets imbibe safety and health measures for the overall wellbeing of citizens.
The Commissioner who decried the indiscriminate use of billboards reminded that the ministry is still enforcing the right attitude to advertising by providing sanctions to defaulters .
He thanked the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists for the visit and advised the Union to always pray for leaders at all times promised to support the union to achieve its goals.
Speaking ,the leader of the delegation, Comrade Etorobong Inyang, Chairman of the 2021 NUJ Press Week Committee congratulated the Commissioner for the successful hosting of the first Ever Environment Friendly Awards in the State.,saying that the Commissioner has changed the narrative in the environment sector.
The Chairman Of the Press Week intimated that the Press week is a Week- long event which is expected to commence on 5th December and end on the 10th of the month.
Also speaking, Akwa Ibom State Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists, Comrade Amos Etuk thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for embarking on a gigantic IBB flood control project, saying that when the project is completed the flood problem within the area will be the thing of the past. He added that the Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Sir. Charles Udoh has brought a new dynamism and ideology into the ministry