Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has tasked the Nigerian Engineers to come up with engineering solutions that will reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuel and increase their reliance on natural management of its God-given resources.
Mustapha who stated this on Tuesday at the Public Lecture and Investiture Ceremony of the 6th Chairman Engr. Linda Bitrus and Executive Members of the Abuja Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) said the challenges posed by climate change that threaten various aspects of lives, and in this context food security, provides an opportunity for such innovativeness.
“We have seen and still seeing locally engineered fabrications that are helping us in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.”
On the theme, “Environmental Sustainability and Resilience for Food Security in Nigeria: The Post COVID-19 Era,” he said:
“It is indeed pleasing to know that NIEE has engaged itself to work with government in ensuring a sustainable development through advocacy for cleaner environment and food security when the pandemic is defeated.”
Mustapha who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Andrew Adejo, assured the engineers that the Federal Government would always engage professionals in seeking solutions to challenges and, within the limits of ever-competing resources, provide support for laudable efforts that would benefit the greater majority of the Nigerian populace.
He however appealed to the distinguished community of Nigerian Engineers not to relent on their oars; rather they should continue to strive.
“Do not wait for crisis to hit, but rather be proactive in developing models that would aid our national development,” he said
He said the Abuja Chapter of NIEE looking ahead on how to handle the situation after the pandemic is highly commendable, saying, “if we do not manage the nexus of environment, social and economic considerations for environmental sustainability our existence as a thriving nation and people would be in jeopardy.”
In her remark, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Engr Lynda Bitrus Elesa said adopting environmental sustainability initiatives especially during and after pandemic like the COVID-19, will enhance food security and this consequently reduces poverty, hunger, income inequality, global warming, environmental degradation, while increasing public health, individual and national wealth.
She said the executives under her leadership will undertake the some activities which will include getting young people interested in science and engineering and various competitions at secondary and tertiary levels
“We intend to undertake Sustainability Competitions for students in schools and institutions to engage them, build on their practical skills and test their knowledge,” she said.
