By Tony Ezike
Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has once again reaffirmed her commitment to public enlightenment and community development by facilitating a workshop on Readiness and Protocols for Biosecurity Response in collaboration with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) under the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The workshop, held on Monday at the Senator Uche Ekwunife Event Centre in Awka, Anambra State, brought together participants from across the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone for intensive training on environmental safety and biosecurity best practices.Although she no longer serves in the National Assembly,
Senator Ekwunife continues to sustain impactful initiatives aimed at informing, empowering, and supporting the people of Anambra State, regardless of constituency or political affiliation. Her continued efforts further reinforce her reputation as a committed advocate for community advancement and sustainable development.
Addressing participants during the event, Senator Ekwunife emphasized that biosecurity preparedness is essential for protecting human health, animals, plants, and the environment.
She noted that human activities are closely linked with the environment, making it necessary for citizens to adopt responsible environmental practices.According to her, the purpose of the training goes beyond knowledge acquisition, stressing that participants must ensure that the lessons learned are shared and implemented within their communities.
She urged those certified at the end of the training as Ambassadors of a Healthy Environment to see themselves as volunteers dedicated to promoting environmental responsibility.
“While some of you may focus on the financial benefits associated with this training, you should equally see yourselves as volunteers committed to initiating and supporting environmental initiatives that will positively impact your communities. That is the ultimate goal,” she stated.
Senator Ekwunife also encouraged participants to appreciate the value of knowledge and use it for the benefit of society. “No knowledge is wasted as long as it is properly applied and shared with others.
The resource persons who trained you today are considered experts because they chose to deploy their knowledge for the greater good of society,” she added.Earlier in his remarks, the head of the resource team, Dr. Agha Ukpai Agha, Director of the Department of Biosecurity at the National Biosafety Management Agency, Abuja, explained that the workshop was designed to sensitize residents of Anambra Central on effective biosecurity readiness and response protocols.
According to him, the training covered critical areas including laboratory biosecurity, biosecurity policies and action plans, strategic biosecurity management, proper waste handling, and the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).
Dr. Agha emphasized that biosecurity measures play a crucial role in preventing the misuse of biological materials that could harm humans, animals, plants, and the environment. He urged participants to cascade the knowledge gained to their communities in order to prevent disease outbreaks and promote safer environmental practices.
Some participants who spoke at the event described the workshop as both enlightening and impactful.
Malachy Udegbunam from Awka-Etiti noted that the training exposed him to practical environmental safety measures he had never previously considered, adding that he is now better equipped to contribute to improving environmental standards within his community.
Similarly, Chisom Nnadi from Akwaeze expressed gratitude to Senator Ekwunife for the opportunity, praying for God’s continued blessings upon her for her dedication to empowering people and improving lives.
Participants also commended Senator Ekwunife for her longstanding commitment to community service and empowerment initiatives, praying for continued strength, good health, and wisdom for her to keep uplifting communities across Anambra State.
