IBEDC pledges commitment to safe environment, unveils policy

Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) on Tuesday made a commitment to a safe environment by unveiling its policies to promote environmentally-friendly practices in its business.

Mr John Ayodele, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of IBEDC, disclosed this in Ibadan on Tuesday, at an event to commemorate the 2022 World Environment Day with the theme ‘Only One Earth’.

Ayodele, an engineer, said the company had created an environment department, which would ensure sustainability practices were adhered to in its operations and reduce pollution into the environment.

“IBEDC recognises the need to promote environmentally-friendly practices in its business and also, the issues driving recent and emerging trends in environmental sustainability.

“Thus, IBEDC is committed to continually promoting Best International Industry Practice across its business activities within its franchise area.

“With the sole aim of ensuring that it minimises the impact of its operations on the environment, integrating the protection of the environment and positive social responsibility.

“Requisite financial and physical resources are to be committed by the company to develop a strong sense of environmental awareness amongst all employees.

“This would be done by incorporating environmental priorities within work programs, business plans, and ensuring appropriate environmental information is included in general training and inductions,” Ayodele said.

He said towards the implementation of this policy, IBEDC would incorporate environmental and social considerations into all its business activities and project implementation.

“We will strictly follow the basic principle of avoidance, minimisation and mitigation in dealing with environmental and social issues and where required, restoration and remediation shall be applied.

“Implement measures towards prevention of pollution, including greenhouse gases and unintended release of substances that could cause harm to the environment.

“Commit to regular environmental assessment at our facilities that would enable identification and compliance to applicable legislation and other requirements including approved Codes of Practices.

“Ensure that its commitment to the environment extends to our customers, staff and the community in which we operate, among others,” the COO said.

In his keynote address, Mr Olusegun Ogundele of the Nigerian Environmental Society, Oyo State who spoke on sustainable approaches to promoting only one earth at the workplace emphasised enforcement of environmental legislation and attitudinal changes.

“We have no place to run to, there is no other planet but earth. So, we have to begin to live in harmony with the earth.

“The 2022 world environment day is significant as it comes within a global pandemic with another pandemic in the pipeline, as monkeypox cases grow.

“We all have to be responsible and take care of our environment,” he said.

Meanwhile, the management staff of IBEDC went to Bashorun Ogunmola High School, Ring Road, Ibadan to sensitise the students, inaugurated Safety and Environment club as well as planted a tree to commemorate the World Environment Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event featured a presentation of an award to one of the staff of the company, Mr Akinbogun Woods-Alli for his contributions to the environment through tree planting. (NAN)