Abuja, Nigeria – October 25, 2025 – The Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) held its 34th national conference from October 22 to 25, 2025 in Abuja. This year’s theme, “Sustainable Cities with Smart Solutions in Africa: The Place of Environmental Management and Social Justice,” captured the urgent need for innovative approaches to urban sustainability in light of growing environmental challenges across the continent.
The conference brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including environmental practitioners, policymakers, and social justice advocates, all focused on fostering sustainable practices within urban development. Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia, the National President of NES, opened the conference by reaffirming the Society’s renewed commitment to addressing Nigeria’s environmental challenges while also contributing to global sustainability efforts. His message emphasized the need for collaborative solutions that integrate environmental management with social equity.
A key highlight of the conference was the lauching of a book on NES titled “40 Years in Existence: History of the Nigerian Environmental Society,” which took place on October 23, 2025. The book was launched by Otunba. Amid Adekunle, a foundational member of NES, who shared poignant insights into the society’s formation and evolution. In his speech, Otunba Amid Adekunle expressed gratitude to the late founders of NES, whose dedication laid the groundwork for the organization. He honored pioneers such as Engr. Emmanuel Odogwu of Shell, Dr. Jerry Nwankwo of DPR, Chris Ifeadi (DPR), Isaiah Ogwuru of Gulf Oil Company (now Chevron), and Engr. Emmanuel Ekekwe of Texaco, highlighting their contributions as instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s environmental landscape.
“Today, we gather to commemorate remarkable milestones – the 40th anniversary of the Nigerian Environmental Society,” Adekunle stated, acknowledging the significant progress made in the field of environmental stewardship. He also recognized the ongoing efforts of current members, including notable contributors from the oil and gas sector, such as Mr. Yomi Adeyemi-Wilson and Dr. Alex Thomopolus, who have been pivotal in establishing environmental guidelines for the petroleum industry.
In his remarks, Otunba Amid Adekunle pointed to the establishment of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN) as a significant achievement, aimed at enhancing professionalism and excellence in environmental practice. He expressed hope that the IEPN would further empower practitioners to tackle Nigeria’s environmental challenges effectively.
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Mr. Leke Emmanuel FNES, also addressed the attendees, welcoming them to Abuja and underscoring the importance of the conference theme. “This year’s theme cannot be more aptly captured and timely than this, given the environmental dynamics resulting from anthropogenic activities,” he remarked. Emmanuel urged participants to reflect on the Society’s 40-year journey, celebrating achievements while acknowledging the work that remains to be done in pursuit of environmental sustainability.
The conference was also graced by a goodwill message from former President of Nigeria, Mr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who couldn’t grace the occasion physically due to other engagement outside the country. He commended NES for its vital role as a leading voice in promoting environmental responsibility and shaping policies that support ecological preservation in Nigeria. His message added weight to the proceedings, reinforcing the Society’s importance in national and global environmental discourse.
As the conference progressed, participants engaged in a series of workshops and discussions designed to equip them with knowledge and strategies for implementing smart solutions for sustainable cities. Topics ranged from urban planning and renewable energy to social justice in environmental management, providing a comprehensive platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among attendees.
The closing of the conference marked not only a celebration of NES’s 40 years of dedication but also a commitment to building a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for Nigeria and beyond. As Dr. Okobia concluded, “Together, we can build on the progress made and strive for a more sustainable and environmentally aware Nigeria.”
The 34th national conference of the Nigerian Environmental Society underscored the organization’s continued relevance in fostering environmental management and social justice, paving the way for future initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development across Africa.
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