Rivers NES Holds 2024 World Environmental Day

Rivers State Chapter of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has held the 2024 World Environment Day with the theme: Marine and Blue Economy Assets As pillars of Industrial Development in Rivers State.
Speaking during the event held recently in Port Harcourt, the National Secretary of NES, Dr. Ademola Adewale, said one of the ways Governor Siminalayi Fubara could improve its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is by prioritizing the marine sector or the Blue Economy.
“Rivers State Government and other state governments in this country need to look inwards instead of relying on monthly Federal Government allocation,” Adewale emphasized.
He expressed satisfaction with the theme of this year’s would environment Day celebration in Rivers State adding that it will stimulate the maritime sector in the state and the economy of the state in general.
He charged stakeholders to do their best to preserve the environment. “Therefore, we need to take care of our environment. We need to preserve our environment,” he said.
“The present NSE Exco in Rivers State needs to do more, especially with the mass media and advocacy. In fact, they should do more in the area of awareness and sensitization,” Dr. Adewale added
Prof. Victor Otubo stated that both the Government and the citizens could harness resources we have in this country for the development of the country if they are serious,” Prof. Otubo emphasized.
Also speaking a senior member of NSE and one-time governorship candidate in Rivers State Chief Isaac Wonwu said that for the past 16 years Rivers State has lost its economic opportunity.
“Rivers state has lost out in the last 16 years in the area of economic opportunity because of political crisis in the state. Today, Lagos State has gone far ahead of Rivers State. A decisive government can handle blue economy well but not indulge in activities that will not boost the economy of the state. In this state we have derailed from the main issue for the past one or two decades.
“Until we have a purposeful government at all levels, the issue of climate change and environmental degradation will continue. The present government can consolidate more on the development gained to improve domestic economy requires a services government with sound policy and programme.
“Governor Fubara of Rivers State can borrow a leaf from his Cross River State counterpart in developing a deep sea,” Chief Wonwu asserted.
The state chairman of NSE Sir Daminabo Aluboyedia said that despite its challenges Rivers State Government has done well, adding that Governor Fubara should be given credit in tackling environmental sanitation.
He commended Governor Fubara and members of his team for the total support given to members of the State NSE, noting that the collaboration between the state Government and members of the state NSE has made the 2026 World Environmental Day celebration the best in the country.
The immediate past chairman of NSE in the state Dr. Kingsley Nwobidi stated that until the people change their life patterns climate change and environmental degradation would a big challenge.
He urged the new Rivers State Commissioner for environment to consult experts and professionals in order to understand what it takes to manage the environment.