The Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Delta State Chapter on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, held its Annual General Meeting and Public Lecture with the theme “Environmental Stewardship for Sustainable Housing Development,” delivered by Mr. Reginald Bayoko, Head of Service, Delta State.
The event brought together all registered practitioners of public relations from both the public and private sectors in the state, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori represented by Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, the Commissioner for Special Duties, and other dignitaries in attendance.
Held at Maryam Babangida Way, opposite Dennis Osadebe University near Asaba, Delta State, the event was also attended by other key government officials, including Chief Patrick Ukah; Director General Asaba Capital Territory Development Agency and Barrister Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe; Director General Delta State Orientation Bureau.
In line with the theme, the public relations executives discussed the current environmental challenges, agreeing that unchecked urban sprawl is depleting green spaces and disrupting natural drainage systems, which have led to perennial flooding.
The communique issued from the event and signed by Udemezue Onyinyechi Gloria, Chukwudi Abiandu, and Ibru Nejuvie, highlighted the adverse impacts of deforestation and sand mining, which strip the land of its natural protective barriers, accelerating erosion and land degradation.
The communique noted the negative effects of poor waste management and pollution, which are poisoning the air, water, and soil, thereby compromising public health and the environment.
The group also pointed out that climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a present crisis, manifesting in rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and coastal erosion.
The communique further identified several challenges facing sustainable housing development in Delta State, including the need for eco-friendly construction materials that reduce carbon footprints, energy-efficient designs incorporating renewable energy sources, and sustainable land-use planning to prevent unregulated urban sprawl.
The group emphasized the importance of innovative waste management systems that promote recycling, minimize environmental degradation, and implement climate-resilient building standards to withstand extreme weather conditions.
The committee members, in drafting the communique, called on the government to develop an urban renewal policy aimed at improving urban infrastructure and enhancing the state’s housing scheme, with a focus on affordable housing for low- and middle-income earners.
The group also urged the Delta State government to enforce environmental regulations to curb illegal developments and implement statewide sustainable housing development plans.
To achieve the desired results, the public relations executives called for a paradigm shift that balances economic growth with environmental protection.
The body insisted: “We cannot build homes today that become hazards tomorrow. Delta State must rise to the challenge and set the standard for sustainable housing in Nigeria.”
It further stated, “As government officials, enforce the laws. As private sector players, innovate and invest responsibly; as media and PR professionals, drive the right narratives; and as community members, adopt eco-friendly practices.”
The group called on all stakeholders to become ambassadors of environmental stewardship in their respective fields, emphasizing that “the responsibility lies with us all to translate words into action, policies into practice, and intentions into lasting impact.”
