By Sunday Ani
An environmental consultant and managing consultant of Kegala Environmental Consultancy Limited, Deacon Okezi Odugala has said the forthcoming Delta State Environmental Sustainability Award (DSESA) is part of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to reward individuals and organisations making tangible efforts to protect and sustain the environment.
A statement by Odugala on behalf of Kegala Environmental Consultancy Limited, in partnership with the Delta State Ministry of Environment, noted that the Governor’s commitment to environmental sustainability was part of his administration’s MORE agenda to recognise, reward and inspire greater environmental responsibility across the state.
According to him, “As a civil society leader, environmental consultant and Managing Consultant of Kegala Environmental Consultancy Limited, I believe the time has come for all Deltans and residents to take ownership of their environment and work actively toward its sustainability. The government alone cannot carry this burden. We must all become partners in driving positive environmental change.”
He described the current state of environmental degradation in Delta State, saying, “From indiscriminate waste disposal and blocked waterways, deforestation, unchecked weed growth and air and noise pollution to harmful personal and industrial habits. These practices threaten the well-being and future of the state. The escalating impact of climate change is a clear testament to what years of environmental neglect can lead to.”
The maiden edition of DSESA 2025, scheduled to hold on September 26, in Asaba would be giving awards to the cleanest local government headquarters in the state; the cleanest town/communities; the most environmentally friendly banks; the most environmentally friendly hospitality organisation; environmental champion/green enthusiasts/individual awards and the most outstanding schools based on environmental cleanliness including primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. Others include the cleanest market place in the state; the most environmentally friendly ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs); the most environmentally friendly oil and gas company; and the most environmentally friendly hospitals and diagnostic centres among others.
Odugala revealed that a competent technical committee chaired by the Delta State NUJ chairman, Churchill Oyowe had been working behind the scene on the selection criteria based on multiple nominations that is currently ongoing in a transparent manner. He urged citizens’ participation as the state government is poised to celebrate environmental champions across various sectors in the state, including public and private organisations to stimulate broader public ownership of the environment.
He said the initiative would recognise and reward individuals and organisations making tangible efforts to protect and sustain the environment through nomination that is ongoing.
He commended Governor Oborevwori for his leadership and commitment to the MORE agenda and the dedication of the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani, and all stakeholders working to make the state an environmental sustainability model in Nigeria.
He further called on all friends of the environment, comprising individuals, communities and corporate bodies to partner with the state government in making the event a success. “Together, we can build a cleaner, safer and healthier Delta State for present and future generations,” he added.
The post DSESA 2025: Oborevwori ready to reward environmental champions – Odugala appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
