By Tare Youdeowei

LEARNING never stops. Amidst ongoing strike in polytechnics and colleges of higher learning, the Environment Research Group (ERG), of Yaba College of Technology; comprising  members from environment, engineering, science and technology departments of the school, has held her 3rd International Biennial Conference on Environmental Issues.

*From left: Mr. Godwin Ovioma, Mr Martins Nzekwe, Dr. Loretta Ofodile, Mr Banji Okesoto, Mr N.M.C Nwakanma, Mr Kayode Oluyo and Dr Funmi Doherty, members of ERG, Yaba Tech.

The two-day conference under the chairmanship of Professor Babatunde A. Rabiu, Director and Chief Executive, Centre for Atmospheric Research, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), was themed: International Diplomacy, the Environment and the Government.

Professor Rabiu, in his opening speech proclaimed that, “occasions like this are opportunities to reflect on current practices, cross breed ideas, harvest research results and project resolutions capable of driving our society towards sustainable development. The theme of this conference is a tripod; international diplomacy, environment and governance in Africa. Our understanding of the interlink between this tripod shall provide the needed synergy required to leap us forward in our quest for national transformation amidst present continental challenges.

“International co-operation rooted in international diplomacy is a sure way to harness our environmental resources to ensure sustainable development and good living which are by- products of good governance. It is our goal that this meeting will present to our policy makers, an effective blueprint on how to manage our environment under effective governance in Africa, through the potent opportunities in international diplomacy. It is high time we hooked up with international partners to enshrine appropriate legislation to make our environment a better and safer place to live.”

Keynote speaker on the theme; Professor Anthony O. Nwafor, Professor of Law, University of Verda, South Africa, highlighted the need for soft power diplomacy by governments and organisations to achieve environmental growth.

“Of soft power, monetary, hard power and public diplomacy, the most peaceful diplomatic solution that would lead to reversal of environmental problems and appeasement of communities whose interests are not adequately factored or outrightly disregarded in the course of corporate operations over the years, is soft power diplomacy.”

Soft power approach would require coming together of the people, government and organisations in decision- making. Nwafor explained that “soft power diplomacy is seen as the ability to attract and co-opt rather than to coerce, use force or give money, as a means of persuasion.”

The conference, which had presentations and exhibitions on environmental issues from scientific researchers ranging from undergraduate, post- graduate, HND students to PhD holders, had as its host, the rector of Yaba College of Technology, Dr M.K Ladipo.