The Chartered Institute of Environmental and Public Health Management of Nigeria(CIEPHMN), has inducted eight new members in Rivers state.
The event was held on Friday, at Aldgate hotel in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
In his welcome address, the chairman of Rivers state chapter, Dr. Gbenga shittu, said that the induction was the first to be held in the state.
His words, ”This induction is a landmark as it is the first to be held in Rivers state. I can say this is the pioneer induction we are doing in the state.
”Suffice it to say that the new inductees have distinquished themselves in their various fields of endeavours.
”The institute has carefully examined their credentials and found them worthy in character and professional conduct”.
Speaking further, the chairman congratulated and admonished the inductees to ensure that they keep to their oath of membership and fullfil all their financial obligations to the institute.
He charged them to be good ambassadors of the institute in general and the Rivers state chapter in particular.
In his own address, the Director-General and Chief Executive, CIEPHMN, Dr. George Olusoji Ayoade, gave a brief history of the institute.
”The institute was established over ten years ago and we have been operating as a professional body with about four(4) different branches and seven(7) chapters all over the country.
”Progenitors of this institute are notable environmentalists, health practitioners in this country.
”Part of the mandate of this institute is to train and re-train professionals. collaborate with institutions and corporate organisations to certify and re-certify students and other trainers in our society.
Furthermore, Dr. Ayoade noted that the institute has been partnering institutions across the country, disclosing that the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Georgewill Onwunari has invited it to partner UNIPORT in the area of disatser, risk and environmental management.
He also revealed that the VC has agreed to be a fellow member of the institute, noting that October has been fixed for his induction and a conference, which will be unique as it is the first time the institute will be collaborating with the university.
The Director-General who administered the oath at the induction, congratulated the inductees and described them as great addition to the institute.
He urged them not to go against the professional conduct that the institute stands for.
In his own speech, Chief Eric Habemem, the Igwe, Eze Otu Onu One of Rumurolu town, Evo kingdom in Obio-Akpor LGA, called on the new members to help build the institute to enviable height in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the inductees, the Vice chairman, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers state, Dr. Angela Anthony Oju-Kienmie thanked the institute for finding them worthy to be members.
Also speaking in a chat with our correspondent, an inductee, Engr. Olayinka Awodiji, expressed gratitude to the institute for giving him the opportunity to become a fellow member.
”I want to appreciate the institute for this opportunity to be a member, not just an ordinary but a fellow member. I can see prospect in it. The institute cuts across all industries. I am into construction, civil engineering practice. I can see the impact of construction on the environment and also on the earth and people of the society and I think with this so many things will be corrected in the practice in order to promote this institution and whatsever it represents”, he said.
The event saw the presentation of a paper on the Role of Bio-Remediation and Oil Spill Management in Mitigating Environental Pollution Challenges on Climate Change/Public Health by Dr. Evidence Epaabari Enoch, who was represented by Dr. Lebari Sibe.
The inductees include; Dr. Angela Anthony Oju-Kienmie, Engr. Dr. Chioma Temitope Gloria Awodiji, Pastor(Engr.) Olayinka Olujide Awodiji and Mr. Ebenuwa, Chukwuma Augustine
Others are; Mr. Barieeba John Cosmos B., Surv. Felix Nwachukwu Osanebi, Dr. David Nwagozie Ogbonna and Sir Dr Awanen Abefe Victor
