World Science Day: Okowa assures on proactive steps against climate change ~ Truth Reporters

 

As the world comes to the ominous reality that climate change is becoming a serious threat to the lives of billions on the planet earth, Delta State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has stated the resolve of the state to adapt more proactive measures against the ugly trend.

Speaking while declaring open the Delta State celebration of the 2021 world science day for peace and development at the ICT HUB in Asaba, Governor Okowa said, through the relevant MDA’s saddled with the implementation of relevant policies to mitigate the effect of climate change as well as appropriate legislation in place, the state is poised to become environmentally friendly and less prone to the devastating effects of the looming global scourge.

Represented by the state Commissioner of Finance, Sir Fidelis Tilije Governor Okowa noted that life in itself is science and all that pertains to Technological Advancement is Science Driven, and therefore, Deltans in particular must begin to find means to tackle head long, the enormity of the effect of climate change by adopting environmentally proactive steps such as planting of trees, avoiding bush burning as well as open defecation, among others.

The Governor revealed that talks have reached advanced stages with IOC's operating in the state with a view to stemming the trend of gas flaring which has been attributed to be one of the greatest air pollutant and by extension, climate change. 

Earlier in her welcome address the Honorable Commissioner for Science and Technology Jennifer Oma Adasen, ESQ. said the World Science Day Celebration is an initiative of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) an organ of the United Nations Organization (UNO), of which Nigeria is a signatory.

The Science and Technology Commissioner said the theme for this year's celebration which is "Building Climate-ready Communities" is timely, as climate change is gradually becoming a serious threat and the biggest environmental challenge facing society, threatening human lives as well as environments and economies.

Adasen revealed that science has proffered Mitigation Strategies including Retro-Fitting Buildings and how negative impacts associated with climates might be mitigated. 

While noting that the Okowa administration places high premium on the development and promotion of Science Technology Innovation (STI) the Commissioner particularly thanked the Governor for the special interest in science education and for approving the celebration of the event in the state. 

The keynote address with the topic "Building Climate-ready Communities" was delivered by Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Chris Onogba, while the Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Patrick Muoboghare, Water Resources Development, Hon. Evelyn Obora Omovowan Dr. Amos Obi and Dr Mrs. Kate Iloba, delivered goodwill messages.

Highpoints of the World Science day celebration in Asaba which was also attended by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, his Housing and Secondary Education counterparts, Mr. Festus Ochonogor and Mrs. Rose Ezewu respectively, as well as the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Beautification, Olorogun Mrs. Grace Aghoghovbia and students from Play Learn, Royal Mira, Government Model School, Zappa Basic, West-End Mixed and Great Beginning among other stakeholders, included a road show, an hour play of a documentary, a plenary session as well as question and answer session.