Inaugural Lecture: Don Advocate Responsible Consumption To Curb Environmental Degradation
By Bassey BASSEY
The 161st inaugural lecturer of the University of Calabar (Unical), Prof. Elizabeth Andrew-Essien, has advocated responsible consumption across all sectors of society to curb environmental degradation.
Besides, Elizabeth Andrew-Essien, a Professor of Natural Resource Development and Conservation in the Department of Environmental Management, called on the government to strengthen public sensitization campaigns aimed at improving environmental awareness.
Delivering the institution’s inaugural lecture on the topic: “Chop, Remain, E get Why: Conversations on the Conundrums of Consumerism and Conservation" at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre, she said deliberate government action on public education is key to driving the behavioral change needed for sustainability.
Prof. Andrew-Essien noted that without sustained public sensitization, policies on sustainability often fail to translate into everyday practice.
She explained that many Nigerians remain unaware of how personal consumption habits contribute to environmental degradation, from waste generation to overreliance on non-renewable energy sources.
She added that targeted awareness campaigns in schools, markets, religious centers, and through the media can shift attitudes and create a culture of conservation.
According to her, an informed public is more likely to support and comply with eco-friendly policies, making sensitization a practical tool for long-term environmental protection.
She also called for the expansion of national environmental education and awareness programmes that directly connect everyday consumer choices to broader ecological consequences such as flooding, deforestation, and climate vulnerability.
She tasked the government on designing policies that support eco-friendly industries, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy technologies, and environmentally responsible entrepreneurship, calling for adoption of production practices that reduce ecological footprints without compromising economic productivity and competitiveness.
She said there is an urgent need for increased investment in restoration economies, including reforestation, watershed recovery, mangrove protection, and land rehabilitation, framing them as both ecological and economic priorities.
The don further urged the government to strengthen environmental regulation and enforcement mechanisms through improved compliance monitoring, institutional capacity, and sanctions for environmental violations.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of Unical, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, congratulated the Faculty of Environmental Sciences for producing the erudite scholar and described the lecture topic as timely and relevant to Nigeria’s environmental and development challenges.
Offiong, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Anthony Afam Okiwelu, warned that if we fail to preserve our ecological system, there would be no habitable environment for future generations.
The well-attended lecture witnessed the presentation of a memento to the inaugural lecturer by the Deputy Vice Chancellor on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.
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