Environment
Activist Blames FG For Pollution Of Niger Delta
The Executive Direc
tor of Centre for Development and Support Initiative (CEPSI), Mrs Mma Ogbanga, says the Federal Government must be held responsible for the continuous environmental pollution of the Niger Delta.
Speaking in a telephone interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt, Mrs Ogbanya said that, the federal government must be blamed for failing to address pollution related issues in the region.
She listed the non implementation of the United Nations Environment (UNEP) report on the pollution of Ogoniland, the continuous flaring of gases by multinational companies in the region as some of the areas in which the government should be blamed.
Mrs Ogbanga also decried the non passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, (PIB)pointing out that the Bill specifies some punitive measures for acts of pollution in the region.
“The PIB is very specific, its says that anybody who pollute the environment should pay a fee “she said.
She said that the sooner the bill is passed, the better for the Niger Delta.
The CEDSI Director also said that, local communities can also contribute towards checking pollution in their environment.
According to her, the local communities can form vigilante to safeguard pipelines, sensitise their youths against illegal oil bunkering as well as cooperate with the security agencies to check any act of pollutions in their areas.
“The local communities have a role to play. They can form vigilante to check pipeline vandalisation as well as sensitise their youths against illegal bunkering” she said.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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