A SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, SULLIVAN IHEANACHO CHIME, GOVERNOR OF ENUGU STATE ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCHING OF THE NEW WASTE MANAGEMENT EQUIPMENT AND CAMPAIGN ON FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2008

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Today, another chapter opens in our collective efforts to chart a new beginning that will ultimately restore our dignity and pride as a people. We observe this day not a celebration of yet another triumph, but an expression of our will, signifying renewal as well as change.

As a Government, we have waited patiently, and sometimes painfully, for a day like this, to make that bold statement about our readiness to reclaim our age-long identity as one of Nigeria ’s cleanest States, and also to give our people a healthy, sustainable environment. But we have not assembled here only to launch the new waste management equipment, but more importantly to kick-start the campaign in which we are all key players towards making our dear Enugu a model State.

The slogan, ‘We Can’ is not just a call to duty, but a challenge to all of us, irrespective of class or creed, to join this crusade to reinvent Enugu State . It is also a demonstration of our passion to change things, not only in the environment but in all spheres of existence.

So, in your hands, more than mine, will rest the accomplishment of our dreams. Thus, the trumpet summons all of us to duty because we hold in our hands the key to success in that common pursuit. This is, indeed, the time for everybody to come together in partnership to take our State to that level we all desire, and which we surely deserve.

That is the challenge we now face. It is the challenge to bequeath to the coming generation a State where there will be less talk about sundry oddities but possibilities; where the inheritors shall co-exist in harmony amid plenty of opportunities.

I say to you, my dear people, that in truth, We Can! I see limitless chances for us to restore our State to its pride of place of yore, and I know We Can. I see prosperity beckoning at us to pull away from the clutches of poverty previously inflicted on us and I am convinced We Can achieve that with our trademark resilience as a people. So, let us return to our renowned reputation of hard work, diligence and moderation.

Today, the torch is being handed over to all dwellers in Enugu State to take our destiny in our own hands as far as our environment is concerned. These facilities before us are meant to assist us keep our homes and environment clean. Let us employ them for such purposes. A healthy nation, they say, is a wealthy one.

Without doubt, our Government’s deliberate efforts to improve security, rebuild public utilities, ensure peaceful co-existence and create a conducive business climate may not yield the desired fruits if our homes, other surroundings, places of work and worship are dirty.
   
When our environment is unclean and our children and families resultantly fall sick, everyone loses. But it is time to start winning. That is the essence of our gathering. We Can easily realize it because we now have the tools.

The whole programme is not merely about waste disposal and management but a deliberate effort that will, with modern technology, bring to fruition our waste-to-wealth initiatives. More than that, our waste management programme will provide hundreds of jobs that will positively affect our people’s well-being and ultimately open up the economic space of Enugu State . I invite our people to utilize the employment opportunities that are now available.

Tourists and investors demand certain basic environmental conditions. If we must take advantage of our Government’s collaborative efforts and incentives to the former, they, as well as our people, must live in neighbourhoods and drive along the ways not littered with refuse heaps. I am confident that We Can make this possible if we all appreciate the dangers of unclean environment to our psyche and lives.

But let me warn that we are not going to allow those polluting our space or distorting and defacing our cities to get away with such illegality. There will be, without doubt, sanctions for environmental offenders as soon as we put these facilities to use. In addition, we are not insensitive to the pains that some people may suffer, but we are determined to reclaim the original masterplan of Enugu . In this regard, we call on the violators of our town planning laws to relocate from their present sites in order not to suffer avoidable losses.

Let the words go forth from here to our people that with their co-operation and in partnership with the private sector, We Can easily achieve our urban renewal and beautification goal in Enugu State . If we both resolve to maintain our environment, We Can prevent certain diseases from attacking our  families. We Can turn a new leaf this day by joining the campaign to recreate our State. We Can restore our common future by embarking on those things that will always unite and prosper our people.

Cleanliness, we are told, is next to Godliness. Now is the time to heed these words. But beyond the issue of environment which has brought us here today, let us now seize the opportunity at our disposal to make Enugu State better and greater than it is today. Together, I know We Can get this job done.

Thank you and God bless.