Environmental Engineers Seek Increased Capacity for Climate Actions
“It’s high time Environmental Engineers start working to ensure better policy implementation for climate related actions in Nigeria”
This was the wake up call advocated by the general body of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) as the professional association held it’s 22nd International Conference earlier today in Lagos, Nigeria.
Welcoming guests, the National Chairman of NIEE, Engr. Sesan Odukoya, stated that it has been a privilege as under his leadership, the institution had impacted on members and improved on environmental capacity through technical sessions, workshops, seminars, collaboration with various organizations, community, local, professional and public.
Engr Odukoya disclosed the NIEE was dealing with various challenges, including low membership involvement, lack of commitment and low percentage of dues payment.
He however revealed his conviction that the new executives would bring about creative solutions to some of these challenges.
The Keynote presentation with the theme, “Changing climate, flood footprints and climate related actions”, was delivered by Engr. Prof. Hilary Owamah, Director of Academic Planning at Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State.
Prof. Owamah’s presentation focused on highlighting the causes of Climate Change vis a viz the various types of Green House Gases (GHGs), Risk Management and Engineering Solutions to Alleviating Climate Change.
Owamah also enjoined environmental engineers to get into the mainstream of climate change discussions at the policy level, not just focusing on project delivery activities.
Engr Yusuf Majolagbe, Chairman of NIEE Lagos Chapter and Chairman, Organizing Committee of the Conference also delivered a paper on Faecal Sludge Management in Specific Low Income Areas. His paper brought about a lot of interactions revolving around the need for professionals to differentiate between sludge, Faecal matter and septage. It also interrogated the applicability of biodigesters for septage treatment, energy and gas generation.
The Conference also has an awards segment which had two companies recognized; Foli Transport Engineering and Solutions, Gibeon and Ajalon Global Concepts Ltd.
Other awardees who were inducted as fellows include; Engr. (Hon) Abiola Okanlawon Olowu, Special Adviser to Mr. Governor, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr Dr. Muritala Ibrahim, Engr. Adekunle Abd’Ahmeed, Engr. Olanrewaju Musiliu Oladipupo, Engr (Mrs.) Oshin Victoria Martin and Engr. Folahan Adebola Kuforiji.
Attendees at the conference included past fellows of the institution; Engr O.E.S Ajani, Engr Mrs Rose Igboanugo, Engr. Babatunde Oshodi, Engr Dr. Wasiu Ajagbe, Engr Hakeem Ogunbambi, and professionals in the industry.
