In an impactful collaboration, the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN) and Benin City Window on America (BCWOA) came together to commemorate World Environment Day 2024. The event, themed “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience: Our Land, Our Future,” took place at Benin City Window on America on June 7, 2024. The event gathered distinguished guests, including Prof Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, FAS, President of IEPN and Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University Okada, Engr Yakubu Waziri, Register/CEO of IEPN, and Lady Celerina Ojomo, Executive Director of ITV/Radio and member of Council, IUO. Esteemed scholars from Igbinedion University Okada, University of Benin, Nigeria Environmental Society (NES), Society of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology (SETAC), Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMNSON), West Africa Society of Toxicology (WASOT), Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI), as well as representatives from various CSOs and organizations, also graced the event.
The resounding message of the day emphasized the collective responsibility towards environmental health, urging all to take proactive steps in healing the earth, as the well-being of the planet directly impacts all its inhabitants. Presentations centered on critical topics such as land restoration, desertification, drought resilience, and environmental health, with speakers advocating for the implementation of programs and policies that promote environmental sustainability and soil health. As the event concluded, all participants solidified their dedication to tackling environmental challenges in their lands and working collaboratively towards land restoration and healing. A total of 82 individuals took part in the event, with 58 attending in person (31 males and 27 females) and 24 joining online.