The Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) has inaugurated a new chapter of the society in Awka, Anambra state, Nigeria. The event which marked another milestone in the history of the society also witnessed the swearing-in of the first executives of the new chapter which has Dr. Odili Ojukwu as the chapter chairman.
The inauguration ceremony which was performed by the National President of the Society, Dr. Dorothy Bassey (FNES), had other national officers in attendance, including the 1st National President, Prof. John Onwuteaka (FNES), National Secretary Dr. John Akpan Harry (MNES), and Councilor, Dr. Leonard Mgbeahuruike (MNES). Other personalities in attendance were the chapter chairmen of Enugu and Imo states, Dr. Ebere Udeh (MNES) and Dr. Dike Martins (MNES).

NES National President, Dr. Dorothy Bassey (FNES) Addressing the participants at the inauguration ceremony of Anambra State Chapter of the society.

The National President also used the occasion to launch the “Environmental Marshals Initiative” a newly introduced outreach project of the society, aimed at promoting youth vanguard (“Catch Them Young”) for the environment.

Cross-section of participants at the inauguration of Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) in Awka.

NES National President, Dr. Dorothy Bassey performing the swearing-in of the newly inaugurated Anambra State chapter chairman

NES National President Dr. Dorothy Bassey, Launching the “Environmental Marshals Initiative” in Awka, Anambra State.

National Officers and Anambra State Chapter Exco at the Chapter’s Inauguration Ceremony in Awka.

NES ORGANIZES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FOR MEMBERS
The Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) in collaboration with the Clean Nigeria Associate in River State organized a professional development training on oil spill response and awareness for its members. The training is to improve members capacity and skills in oil spill response and also keep them abreast with the current trends and technology in oil spill response.

Cross-section of participants at the oil spill response and awareness training in Port Harcourt, River State.

Participants on facility tour of oil spill response equipment during the training

Participants at the NES oil spill response and awareness training in Port Harcourt, River State.

NES CALLS FOR EFFECTIVE MONITORING OF WATER VENDOR’S ACTIVITIES

The Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) has called for the effective monitoring of water vendors activities across the nation. The call was made during the Water Right Workshop and Stakeholders Roundtable held at Enugu. Speaking during the discussion on Human Right to water and accountability, the Chairman of Nigerian Environmental Society, Enugu state chapter, Dr. Mrs. Ebere Udeh (MNES) who represented the society stressed on the urgency for checks on the water vendors who source water from streams, and other surface and ground water sources that may have been polluted as a result of poor waste management practices, hence infringing on the rights to good quality water.
On accessibility and affordability, Dr. Udeh also pointed to the dramatic hike in the cost of water by vendors and tankers’ drivers which have become unbearable to residents, thus questioning the accessibility and affordable of good quality water.

Cross-section of participants at the Water Rights Workshop held in Enugu

Stakeholders at the workshop also advocated for intensive sensitization through the media to educate the citizenry on their rights to portable water, as well as the need to facilitate the passage of the pending Water Resources Bill at the Enugu State House of Assembly.