Being Keynote Lecture Delivered at the 33rd Annual Conference/General Meeting of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) by Professor Olanrewaju A. Fagbohun, Ph.D, SAN
Introduction:
- Excellencies, esteemed delegates, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I am deeply honoured to deliver the Keynote Address at this 33rd Annual Conference/General Meeting of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), aptly titled “Eko 2024.” This year’s theme, Environmental Resource Management, Conservation and Protection in the Global Emerging Innovative Technology for Sustainable Development, reflects the pressing challenges and opportunities of our time. NES has undeniably established itself as a powerful advocate and leading voice in the mission to safeguard Nigeria’s environmental health. As an influential body and catalyst for change in the environmental sustainability, NES has consistently succeeded in bringing together diverse voices from the private sector, government, civil society, and development agencies. Through these collaborative efforts, NES drives critical initiatives and partnerships essential for Nigeria to forge actionable strategies toward a sustainable and equitable environmental future. This event is one of such impactful collaboration.
- I am honored to share my thoughts with this distinguished audience this morning. I extend my sincere gratitude to the National President of NES, Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia, his executive team, all NES members, and my friend and colleague Dr. Eugene Itua, along with the Local Organizing Committee, for making this possible. Over the next two to three days, leading scholars, professionals, environmental practitioners and distinguished speakers will present compelling case studies and actionable insights through presentations, engaging panel discussions, and tailored networking events. These interactions will create opportunities for innovative partnerships across the conference’s identified sub-themes, paving the way for opportunities that, in the coming months, will ultimately contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
- The conference sub-themes serve as gripping reminders of the shared ambition and commitment that must continue to drive us all in our mission to protect the environment. Environmental protection is not just a cause for its own sake- it is an existential imperative that demands action. Complacency is therefore not an option in this crucial fight. Our communities and cities continue to bear the brunt of the consequences of inadequate and inefficient resource management; lack of accountability in environmental evaluation and monitoring; escalating urban air pollution and mining challenges; flawed urban planning; inappropriate environmental valuation; limited public participation in disaster risk reduction initiatives; growing water scarcity and food insecurity; loss of biodiversity; relentless deforestation, desertification, land degradation; and poor waste management.
