The Environmental Management Association of Nigeria (EMAN) has conferred the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, with an Honorary Fellowship and Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to environmental management and sustainable development.
The award was presented during EMAN’s 2024 Annual Conference and General Meeting held on Wednesday 13 November at Grand Cubana Hotel in Abuja.
Themed “Building Resilience Against Land Degradation and Climate Change in Nigeria,” the event drew prominent personalities, including the National Project Coordinator NEWMAP, Mr. Andy Ayuba Yalak; Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Innocent Barikor and Professor Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja Aisha Sani Maikudi represented by the Dean School of Environment and representative of Chairman Senate Committee on Environment.
Governor Zulum’s recognition by EMAN marks the first time the association has presented this prestigious award to a Chief Executive.
The honor underscores Zulum’s commitment to effective environmental management, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
This is the fifth fellowship award conferred on the Governor in the past five years, following recognitions by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers, the Nigerian Institute of Architects, and the National Postgraduate Medical College.
Represented by his Senior Technical Assistant, Honourable Umaru Bako, Governor Zulum highlighted key environmental achievements under his administration. These include:
Strengthening the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) through increased funding.
Timely and effective management of recent flood disasters.
Establishing a Directorate of the Great Green Wall to combat desertification.
Full participation in the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program.
Ongoing infrastructure and human development initiatives aimed at fostering a climate-resilient society.
Expressing his gratitude, Governor Zulum stated, “I am extremely delighted with this honor and assure you of my administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting the environment and building a resilient future for our society.”
EMAN, as Nigeria’s leading professional body for environmental management, continues to recognize and encourage exemplary contributions towards environmental sustainability.
