The Executive Secretary of the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA), Chief Elder Ayi Etim Effiong, has called for greater commitment to environmental protection, warning that indiscriminate human activities capable of degrading the environment could have far-reaching consequences for society.
Chief Ayi made the call on Wednesday while receiving an award of recognition from the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Calabar (UNICAL), in appreciation of his contributions to environmental management, human capital development and the advancement of environmental practice in Cross River State.
The CUDA boss, who expressed gratitude for the recognition, said his passion for environmental management was shaped by his academic background and mentorship, particularly the influence of his mentor, Dr. Elegance Edim, whom he described as a distinguished environmentalist who encouraged him to study environmental science.
He explained that his decision to pursue environmental practice was driven by an understanding of the central role of the environment to human existence and development, noting that virtually every profession and human activity operates within an environmental context.
According to him, professionals including doctors, nurses, engineers and lawyers all depend on a healthy and sustainable environment to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
Chief Ayi stressed that environmental protection must be treated as a collective responsibility, warning that practices such as indiscriminate tree felling and the blockage of drainage channels could worsen flooding and other environmental challenges.
“Whatever you do to the environment is what the environment will do to you,” he said, stressing that the consequences of environmental degradation would ultimately be borne by society.
He also highlighted the importance of trees and green spaces to the urban environment, explaining that the ornamental trees managed by CUDA were not planted merely for beautification.
He noted that the trees contribute to improved air quality, provide shade and enhance the overall health and sustainability of the urban environment.
Chief Ayi expressed particular appreciation to the Faculty of Environmental Sciences for the recognition, noting that he was delighted that the honour came from students and academics within the environmental field.
He disclosed that he had continued to identify with professional environmental bodies and remained involved in environmental advocacy and professional development, while encouraging students of the Faculty to remain committed to their studies and environmental advocacy.
The CUDA Executive Secretary assured the students that environmental science remained a critical field in addressing contemporary development challenges and pledged his continued support for initiatives promoting environmental awareness and sustainable development.
Earlier, the President of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Calabar, Simon Emmanuel Ugaba, who led other members of the Faculty on the visit, said the decision to honour Chief Ayi followed a review of his contributions to environmental management and human capital development in Cross River State.
He described the CUDA Executive Secretary as a pacesetter in environmental practice whose activities and commitment had continued to inspire students and practitioners in the field.
Ugaba subsequently presented the award to Chief Ayi, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to interact with him and draw from his experience in environmental management and practice.
By Miriam Esuabanga
