By Stanley Onunkwor
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, Esq., has urged student interns serving in the Ministry to apply their academic knowledge in developing innovative and practical solutions to the state’s environmental challenges, particularly erosion, improper waste disposal and environmental degradation.
Dr. Aguiyi gave the charge during an interactive session with the interns at the ministry on Oct 24, where he reviewed their progress, listened to their field experiences and discussed the challenges they had encountered during their internship.
The commissioner described the programme as an important platform for bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical experience. He urged the students to approach their assignments with dedication, curiosity and a strong sense of professional responsibility.
He also emphasised the importance of proper documentation, encouraging the interns to keep detailed records of their fieldwork, observations and activities. According to him, systematic documentation would enhance their understanding of environmental issues and support the development of evidence-based solutions to problems affecting communities across the state.
Dr. Aguiyi challenged the students to go beyond routine assignments by identifying environmental problems, investigating their root causes and proposing sustainable interventions that could strengthen the state’s environmental management efforts.
During the interaction, some of the interns identified erosion as one of the major environmental challenges confronting communities in Anambra State. In response, the commissioner urged them to explore creative and sustainable erosion-control strategies, highlighting the importance of research, innovation and community participation in addressing the problem.
He further stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment on proper waste disposal and management, urging the interns to contribute to initiatives that promote responsible environmental practices and discourage activities that accelerate environmental degradation.
The commissioner noted that young people undergoing professional training in environmental management had a significant role to play in building a cleaner and more sustainable Anambra State. He encouraged them to serve as environmental ambassadors by promoting responsible practices in their schools, homes and communities, stressing that lasting environmental improvement requires collective responsibility.
As part of efforts to promote creativity and practical problem-solving, Dr. Aguiyi announced plans to organise an environmental innovation competition for the interns. The competition is expected to provide an opportunity for the students to present their ideas, demonstrate their understanding of environmental challenges and develop practical solutions that could support the Ministry’s environmental protection initiatives.
The initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing emerging environmental professionals, strengthening environmental education and encouraging innovative approaches to addressing ecological challenges across the state. It also aligns with the vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to build a clean, green and livable Anambra State through sustainable environmental management, public participation and responsible environmental practices.
Stanley Onunkwor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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