SSZO VISITS ABIA STATE COMMISSIONER OF ENVIRONMENT

SSZO VISITS ABIA STATE COMMISSIONER OF ENVIRONMENT

A delegation from the NNRA South-South Zonal Office led by Dr. Mrs. Stella Ovuomarie- Kevin paid a courtesy visit to the Abia State Commissioner of Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna at his office in Abia State on 3^rd September, 2024.

The visit was aimed at familiarizing the State Commissioner of Environment with the activities and practices of NNRA in the various sectors of the country’s economy. It also sought collaborative efforts between both government institutions to ensure the protection of lives, health, property and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation which is a key mandate of the NNRA.

Dr. Stella Ovuomarie-Kevin, who represented the Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Evelyn Vincent- Furo, thanked the Commissioner for granting NNRA the audience. She elucidated on the need to incorporate radiological impact assessment into the environmental impact assessment processes, particularly in areas where mining and petroleum explorations occur in Owarza-Ukwa West, Abia State.

The Commissioner expressed his appreciation for the visit and affirmed the State Ministry’s commitment to working with the NNRA. He proposed regular interactions to explore collaborative opportunities between the State Ministry and NNRA. He added that capacity building and training for the State Ministry and public would go a long way to creating awareness about radiation safety and environmental protection.