The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs, Mr. Nsa Gill, has introduced a social reorientation campaign, “Do the Right Thing,” aimed at promoting ethical conduct, civic responsibility and good citizenship among residents of Cross River State.
The initiative, which has received the approval of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, was presented by Gill on Monday during an advocacy visit to the Commissioner for Environment, Barr. Bassey Offiong Mensah, at the Commissioner’s Office, Ministry of Environment headquarters, Calabar, where he sought the ministry’s collaboration in taking the campaign’s message to the public.
Gill said the campaign was conceived to positively reinforce values such as integrity, honesty, respect, accountability and community spirit, stressing that it was “not a political campaign” and, at its initial stage, “not a punitive measure.”
According to him, the message is simple: “Do the right thing anywhere you are; on the road, in the office, in the car, at school, in the market and at all times.” He added that the campaign would encourage citizens to challenge wrongdoing constructively and become ambassadors of positive change.
Gill said the initiative would “largely contribute to the implementation of environmental regulations and programmes in the state” by improving public awareness and voluntary compliance, particularly on proper waste disposal, keeping drainage channels clear and avoiding activities that degrade the environment.
He therefore called for collaboration with relevant government agencies to deploy billboards, flyers, branded T-shirts, caps and other communication materials in markets, major public spaces and other strategic locations, saying the campaign would help create the consciousness required for effective implementation of government programmes.
Gill, while commending the ministry’s environmental interventions, particularly the desilting of drainage channels, said the measures had helped ease flooding in some areas previously prone to inundation.
Responding, Mensah welcomed the initiative and expressed the ministry’s readiness to support it, describing the campaign as “highly philosophical” and relevant to the task of restoring environmental consciousness among residents.
“We know what is right, but we deliberately don’t want to do it,” Mensah said, stressing that sustained reminders could help citizens become more conscious of their responsibilities and improve compliance with environmentalp regulations.
The Environment Commissioner called for the message to be taken to the public through billboards, social media and flyers, particularly in markets, citing a recent sensitisation exercise at Bogobiri where community leaders and traders responded positively after being reminded of their environmental responsibilities.
He urged residents to complement government’s efforts by properly disposing of waste and keeping their surroundings and drainage channels clean, noting that indiscriminate dumping contributes to blocked waterways and flooding. “Government still has to give you security, light and good roads,” he said, urging citizens to also support government by doing their part.
He further advocated consequences for persistent violations after adequate sensitisation, stressing that citizens who deliberately disregard environmental regulations should be held accountable. “We owe them duties to educate them, enlighten them,” he said, adding that persistent violations should eventually attract consequences.
The advocacy visit was attended by the Special Adviser on Environment, Hon. Effiom Otu; Director, Open Space and Development, Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA), Mr. Francis Cobham; and Director, Environmental Quality Control, Mr. Akpa Agbo.
By Kingsley Agim
