Abia Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has called on critical stakeholders in the business of waste management in the South East to adopt proactive approach, and build a synergy with Sanitary Inspectors in order to keep the region clean.
The Governor, who was represented by the Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, made the call on Thursday at Umuahia, during the 3rd South East Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN) South East Zone Biennial Conference.
Governor Otti described the theme of the conference, which was, “The Importance of Synergy Among Stakeholders In The Business of Waste Management In South Eastern Nigeria”, as very apt, and stressed the need for more deliberate and concerted efforts by members of the Association to ensure quality healthcare delivery.
According to the Governor, with the concentration of people in the cities, and rural-Urban migration on the increase, there was an urgent need for the health officers to get back to work, and discharge their duties more responsibly.
Abia State Governor, pointed out that it was necessary to reactivate the activities of Sanitary Inspectors, adding that their importance could not be over emphasized.
He lauded the organisers of the programme for choosing Abia, and assured them that his administration was committed to the improvement of waste management and disposal.
Governor Otti used the occasion to enjoin them not to betray their profession by engaging in activities that will compromise their profession.
Responding, the former Registrar, EHOAN, Mr. Augustine Ebisike, informed the Governor that the population of Environmental Health Officers was at an all time low, pointing out that some people have erroneously grouped them together with scientific and health assistants. He added that they needed more environmental health officers and technicians.
