NSE Warri Branch Celebrates World Environment Day, With Strong Push to End Plastic Pollution in Delta
By Ezekiel Kagbala
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Warri Branch, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing plastic pollution and other critical environmental challenges, with a particular focus on Delta State. The initiative was adopted during a public lecture, awareness campaign, and award ceremony held in commemoration of the 2025 World Environment Day.
The event with chaired by Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, President of NSE (represented by Engr. Michael Idinmachi, FNSE) while Hon. Isaac Weyinmi Agbateyinro, Chairman, Warri South LGA was the Guest of Honour.
Themed "Ending plastic pollution: Addressing the crisis and innovating sustainable solutions ", the event brought together a wide array of stakeholders including engineers, investors, government officials, academics, civil society leaders, and industry players. It also served as a platform to honour distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental sustainability.
Among those recognized were: Engr. Austin Efeturi Oghenejobo, Chairman, FENOG Nigeria Limited,Engr. High Chief Kestin Pondi, FNSE, Managing Director, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd,Mr. Mathew Tonlagha, Vice-Chairman, Tantita Security Services and MD, Maton Engineering,Engr. Emuobor Kalusi-Oluku, CEO, Global Solar World and Mr. Jamani Tommy Ejiro, Commissioner for Environment, Delta State among others.
In a heartwarming gesture, Apiakise Tamaraumiebi Daniella, a physically challenged Junior Secondary School 2 student of Star Group of Schools, was celebrated for her excellence in science subjects. She received a cash prize to support her education and was encouraged to pursue her dreams.
Mr. Daniel Otobrise, a scavenger was also celebrated and given a cash reward, to encourage him to continue picking plastics for the benefit of the environment.
In his welcome address, Engr. Chief Benjamin Esi, FNSE, Chairman of NSE Warri Branch, stressed the urgent need to protect the environment, describing the planet as a shared inheritance. He emphasized that environmental issues such as plastic waste and pollution can best be tackled through innovation, collaboration, and resolute action.
“We must maintain the canals in Warri South LGA as was effectively done by the previous local government administration,” he noted, calling on local stakeholders to take up the challenge.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Ofualgba Godswill, former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), advocated for the integration of biodiversity in environmental solutions. He underscored the danger pollution poses to biodiversity and called for a shift in both producer and consumer behavior to reduce environmental harm.
“For lasting change, every segment of the production and consumption chain must take responsibility,” Prof. Ofualgba stated. He also highlighted the role of transformative technologies, noting that they must be complemented by strong policy enforcement and active public participation.
In her remarks, Engr. Queen Chigbo, MNSE, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, reiterated the urgency of tackling planetary challenges such as biodiversity loss, pollution, and environmental degradation. She encouraged participants to see the World Environment Day theme as a call to harness the power of science, technology, and innovation for environmental sustainability.
The event concluded with a guided exhibition led by Engr. Chigbo, showcasing practical methods of recycling plastic waste into valuable products and also renewable energy solutions,an inspiring demonstration of innovative solutions in action.
