NEHEA 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Environmental Health

NEHEA 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Environmental Health

The National Environmental Health Excellence Award (NEHEA) 2025, held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the Banquet Hall, State House, Asokoro, Abuja, was a momentous occasion recognizing individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing environmental health in Nigeria. Organized by the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), the event highlighted the critical role of environmental health in safeguarding public well-being and promoting sustainability.

A Tribute to Environmental Health Heroes

Distinguished guests, including policymakers, traditional leaders, environmental health practitioners, and development partners, gathered to celebrate the achievements of those working to improve environmental health governance. The keynote speaker Prof. Oladapo Afolabi reflected on the evolution of environmental health in Nigeria, tracing its history from the colonial era to the present.

A key focus was the rebirth of the sanitary inspector, now formally recognized as the Environmental Health Officer (EHO). These professionals play a vital role in disease prevention, environmental monitoring, and public health promotion. The event marked a renewed commitment to strengthening their contributions in line with global best practices.

The President’s Message: A Call for Collective Action

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been named Nigeria’s highest promoter of environmental  health by the Environmental  Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON). Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his delegate Senator George Akume, delivered a powerful speech underscoring the government’s commitment to environmental health and sustainability.

“I am happy to join you today to celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations dedicated to enhancing environmental health in Nigeria. This ceremony is not merely 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.”

The President commended EHCON for its leadership in advancing environmental health standards, transforming policies into community action.

“Your unwavering dedication to improving our nation's environmental health standards and practices is commendable. Your leadership in elevating environmental health standards from policy innovation to community action sets a laudable example for the nation.”

Emphasizing the invaluable contributions of environmental health professionals, he acknowledged them as the unsung architects of public health:

“You are the silent sentinels shielding our communities from preventable diseases, climate threats, and ecological decay. Your work is the bedrock for building a healthier Nigeria.”

While celebrating progress, he also highlighted urgent environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution, calling for collective audacity and bold action to address them.

Receiving the Environmental Health Leadership Excellence Award 2025, the representative dedicated it to all stakeholders—government agencies, health professionals, civil society, and the private sector—who have worked tirelessly to integrate sustainability into Nigeria’s development blueprint.

Unveiling Groundbreaking Initiatives

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of:

✅ National Environmental Health Practice Regulations (NEHPR) 2025 – A framework aimed at enhancing environmental health governance and policy enforcement.

✅ Premises-based National Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) Emission Monitoring Programme (NGHGEMP) – A national initiative designed to track emissions at the premises level, aligning with Nigeria’s climate action goals.

These initiatives represent bold steps toward ensuring a more sustainable and environmentally conscious Nigeria.

Recognizing Excellence: Award Categories

The event featured multiple award categories to honor distinguished contributions, including:

•  Highest Prestigious Award
•  National Legislators Award
•  Ministerial Award
• Governors’ Award
• Royal Fathers Award
• Public Officers Award
•  Private Sector Award
• Corporate Entity Award
• Supporting Institutions/Development Partner Award
•  Distinguished Environmental Health Practitioner Award

Each awardee was recognized for their efforts in enhancing environmental health, promoting public well-being, and driving sustainable practices in Nigeria.