Isotu-Edeh receives Nigeria’s ‘Pillar of Environmental Health’ award
By Akpan Glory
Dr Edwin Isotu-Edeh, the WHO National Consultant for Public Health and Environment, has been recognised with the prestigious ‘Pillar of Environmental Health’ award in Nigeria.
The award ceremony, presided over by President Bola Tinubu and represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, took place at the inaugural National Environmental Health Excellence Award (NEHEA) in Abuja.
The event was organised by the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON).
Isotu-Edeh is an award-winning UN Global Environmental Health Expert, an Executive Career Mentor, a Keynote Speaker, and a transformational leader.
With over two decades of experience and impact, his work spans public health, environmental leadership, academia, youth enterprise development, and institutional system-building.
As the National Technical Officer leading the Public Health and Environment Programme for the WHO in Nigeria, he spearheads innovative, high-impact climate and environmentally sustainable initiatives to improve health outcomes.
In 2021, he coordinated the signing of Nigeria’s first Health Ministerial Commitment to building a sustainable and climate-resilient health system.
This commitment aligns with the Paris Agreement, the United Nations COP26 Health Programme, and Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan 2060.
Mr Raph Nnam, the Steering Chairman of Sustainable Education and Policy Archiving at the Nigerian Environmental Summit Group (NESUG), described the recognition as well-deserved.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that the awardee is an exemplary champion and an impact-driven emerging leader in public health and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
Nnam noted that NESUG is the fastest-growing environmental sustainability think tank in Nigeria, mobilising environmental stewardship through a unified platform and a shared conversation.
He said the platform aims to connect over 650,000 experts in environmental health, sustainability, and related fields ahead of the Nigerian Environmental Summit 2025.
He praised Isotu-Edeh’s dedication to climate health and sustainability, noting Nigeria needs more visionary professionals like him.
Isotu-Edeh outlined Nigeria’s key environmental challenges, including climate change, deforestation, pollution, and poor waste management, stressing their impact on public health.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based interventions in driving meaningful change.
He expressed his appreciation to Dr Walter Molumbo, WHO Country Representative, for his outstanding leadership in promoting a healthier environment in Nigeria.
He also thanked EHCON and all those dedicated to addressing environmental determinants of health, acknowledging their collective efforts in tackling Nigeria’s environmental challenges.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, said the event celebrated achievements and reaffirmed commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and resilience.
“We celebrate individuals, organisations, and institutions that have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication in promoting environmental health across the country,” he said.
He praised the president for advancing environmental health in Nigeria, citing renewed awareness and commitment to sustainability under his leadership.
“Our environment is the foundation upon which we build our communities, industries, and future aspirations.
“Ensuring a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is not just a responsibility but a duty we owe to ourselves and to generations yet unborn”.
Dr Yakubu Baba, EHCON Registrar, said the award honours individuals and organisations excelling in environmental health services across public and private sectors in Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Tosin Kolade
Tinubu stated that the award ceremony was not just a recognition of individual excellence but a testament to “our collective resolve to forge a Nigeria where clean air, safe water and sustainable practices are the birthright of every citizen”.
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