By Emmanuel Enebeli
ASABA/Nigeria: Stakeholders at the Annual Public Lecture and General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Delta State Chapter, have called for urgent measures to integrate environmental stewardship into housing development to ensure long-term sustainability.
The event, held on March 12, 2025, in Asaba, featured a keynote lecture by the Delta State Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, mni, titled “Environmental Stewardship for Sustainable Housing Development.” The discourse centered on the need for responsible management of natural resources to promote ecological balance and mitigate environmental degradation.
Stakeholders decried the unchecked urban sprawl that is rapidly depleting green spaces and disrupting natural drainage systems, leading to recurring flooding across the state. They warned that deforestation and sand mining are stripping the land of its natural protective barriers, accelerating erosion and land degradation. Additionally, they raised concerns about poor waste management and pollution, which continue to compromise public health and environmental integrity.
The communique emphasized that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present crisis, manifesting in rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and coastal erosion. To address these challenges, experts advocated for eco-friendly construction materials, energy-efficient designs that incorporate renewable energy, and sustainable land-use planning to curb unregulated urban expansion. They also stressed the need for innovative waste management systems and climate-resilient building standards to withstand extreme weather conditions.
The role of the Delta State Government in sustainable housing development was highlighted, particularly the state’s Urban Renewal Policy aimed at improving infrastructure and the Housing Development Schemes designed to provide affordable homes for low- and middle-income earners. However, stakeholders urged the government to implement a comprehensive statewide sustainable housing development plan, strengthen environmental compliance frameworks, introduce fiscal policies that favor green housing investments, and deepen research collaborations with universities and think tanks to drive local solutions.
A collective call to action was issued, stressing the need for all stakeholders to play an active role in balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Government officials were urged to enforce environmental laws, while private sector players were encouraged to innovate and invest responsibly. Media and public relations professionals were tasked with shaping the right narratives, and community members were advised to adopt eco-friendly practices.
“All stakeholders must become ambassadors of environmental stewardship in their respective fields. The responsibility now lies with us all to translate words into action, policies into practice, and intentions into lasting impact,” the communique stated.
Participants commended the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for its commitment to continuity by completing inherited projects and urged the government to intensify its focus on sustainable urban development.
The event, chaired by Pharm (Dr.) Paul Osogbue Enebeli, a former member of the Governing Board of the National Agency for Food & Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), had Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the Special Guest of Honour. It also featured a discussion session with panelists including Mrs. Thelma Okoh, Principal Consultant at Winstarrbel Communications Limited and a Council member of NIPR; Surveyor Michael Mbagwu, Principal Consultant at Mike Mbagwu Consulting; Engr. Philip Ugbomah Chukwumah, Chairman CPU Construction LLT Nig Limited, and Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Project Monitoring and Audit; and representatives from the Ministries of Urban Renewal and Environment.
