Sylvia Okoi | 23rd September 2023
CALABAR – As part of measures to strengthen Environmental Health services in the State, the Commissioner for Environment Hon. Moses Osogi has Pledged his Ministry's unwavering support to the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN) Cross River State Chapter.
The Commissioner made the pledge when the Executive of the body visited him in his office in Calabar to abreast him of their activities.
Responding to the Association's call, the Environment Boss stated that he would assist the group in whatever means within his reach by creating an enabling platform geared towards actualizing the objectives of the group.
Commissioner Osogi, Stated that he would create a propelling platform that would give room for a holistic inclusion of the Association's activities into the Ministry's programme.
In his words, " this body would be recognized optimally by this Ministry, I want to assure you that I am part of this Association and I would give the necessary support within my period of stay in office ".
Charging the Association to surmount seeming challenges faced by the body, he said, "I Implore you to be strong and push the Association ahead".
Commenting on the upcoming Environmental Health Day,Hon. Osogi applauded the body for their lofty innovation while tasking them never to relent in creating innovation that would trigger more development to the body .
Earlier, the President, Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria Mr. Obogo Simon in his address congratulated the Commissioner on his well deserved appointment, adding that he was elated by the audience granted to the Association. He showered accolades on the Commissioner asserting that as an environmentalist, the Commissioner would no doubt transform and restore the lost glory of the State in the area of sanitation and Environmental aesthetics.
The Association's President enumerated the roles of Environmental Health Officers to include: industrial and Municipal Waste Management, pollution control, home surveillance and inspection, climate change services amongst others.
Hinting the Commissioner on the upcoming world Environmental Day slated for 26th September, 2023, Mr. Simon, announced that the celebration would avail them the opportunity to recognize the importance of environmental health practice as well as solicit support that would strengthen Environmental Health services.
He mentioned the constraints faced by the Association as follows: inadequate manpower capacity, lack of environmental Health Post in strategic points across Urban areas, logistic issues, fake Practitioners, amongst others.
The theme for this year's world Environmental Health Day is tagged 'GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH: STANDING UP TO PROTECT EVERYONE'S HEALTH, EACH AND EVERYDAY' the celebration according to the State President would include live talk on radio and street campaign.