World Environment Day: CITAD, Partners Commemorates with Lecture on Sustainable Living
By Mustapha Salisu
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) commemorated World Environment Day 2024 by hosting a one-day sensitization lecture for students of the Environmental Health Department.
The event was held yesterday (Wednesday) at the School of Health Technology, Kano, in collaboration with Kano State School of Health Technology and School of Health Sciences.
Dr. Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, Executive Director of CITAD, represented by Ibrahim Nuhu, pointed out that natural spaces worldwide are reaching a tipping point.
“According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, up to 40 per cent of the planet’s land is degraded, directly affecting half of the world’s population,” Nuhu said. “The number and duration of droughts have increased by 29 per cent since 2000. Without urgent action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population by 2050.”
Nuhu further explained CITAD’s role in promoting sustainable practices and advocating for policies that prioritize the health of Nigerians and community well-being through a circular economy and waste management approach.
“CITAD has been at the forefront of environmental protection, advocating for policies and initiatives through a circular economy and waste management. We have made substantial progress in addressing environmental issues and driving positive change,” Nuhu said.
On his part, the Principal of School of Hygiene, Kano, Mr. Jamilu Shuaibu Muhammad, emphasized that World Environment Day is designed to create awareness on the contribution of environmental health towards promoting indices that control the rise of diseases in societies.
Represented, the School’s Vice-Principal on Administration, Malam Surajo Jinjiri Gaya, He stressed that making the environment friendly can prevent most diseases, especially communicable diseases like cholera, which can be contracted through contaminated water or food.
“Purification of water before drinking, maintaining a clean environment, minimizing environmental pollution, and applying environmental health principles can prevent communicable diseases, erosion, and flooding, among others” The Principal urged.
Dr. Dayyabu Minjibir, Head of the Department of Environmental Health at the School of Hygiene Kano, explained the concept of a circular economy. A circular economy aims to extend the life cycle of products, regenerate resources, and minimize waste, ultimately addressing global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.
“In a circular economy, products are designed to last longer, and resources are kept in use for as long as possible. This reduces pollution and conserves natural resources, leading to cleaner air, water, and soil. Cleaner environments mean fewer health risks, such as respiratory illnesses and waterborne diseases,” Dr. Minjibir explained.
By minimizing waste and encouraging sustainable practices, Dr. Minjibir emphasized the reduction of exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants. This transition not only protects the planet but also ensures healthier communities for future generations.
During the sensitization lecture, various topics were discussed, including “the Concept of Circular Economy/Electronic Waste Management” by Abdurrahman Babatunde from CITAD, “the Impact of Environment on Human Life” by the Head of the Department of Environmental Health at the School of Hygiene, Malam Dayyabu Minjibir, and “the Concept of Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience” by Malam Abba Sani of the School of Health Technology.
Sadiya Musa, a participant of the sensitzation lecture who spoke to PRIME TIME NEWS, applauded CITAD for hosting the program. She praised their efforts to enlighten the public on the importance of disease prevention and environmental protection.
