Environment
Expert Harps On Sensitisation Of Miners, Stakeholders
A former Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Nelson Ajari, has called for sensitisation of miners and solid mineral stakeholders to fully harness the potential in the sector.
Ajari made the call at the sensitisation programme of the miners at the federal secretariat in Asaba, with the theme: “Sensitising Programme on Mining Activities in Delta”.
He said the sensitisation programme was coming at a better time when all the three tiers of government were making efforts to diversify the economy.
According to him, this is to make it less vulnerable to all frequent changes in the price of petroleum at the international market.
“The development of the nation’s solid mineral resources provides the means by which such diversification can be effected.
“The country is blessed with numerous mineral resources- sand, river sand, laterite, gold, Iron ore, barite, lead, zinc, manganese, among others.
“Jobs creation and poverty reduction amongst others, are some of the benefits derivable from solid minerals exploitation,” he said.
Also, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Olamilekun Adegbite, said that Federal Government would no longer tolerate evasion of royalty payment by miners.
“Under the Nigeria Mineral and Mining Act, 2007 guidelines, there would be no room for royalty payment evasion,” Adegbite said.
The minister noted that while mining has a significant role to play in the diversification of the country’s economy, the sector was still classified as non-performing.
He, however, appealed to stakeholders to maintain high standards of integrity in carrying out mining activities in the country.
In his remarks, Mr Patrick Idolor, Chairman, Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), urged the ministry to collaborate with miners to ensure that illegal mining was drastically reduced.
”This effort cannot be carried out without an articulated approach, which include proper orientation and continuous sensitisation of miners.
“The sensitisation on the need to guide eligible miners on obtaining mining licence, and sand, as mineral that is the predominantly mining activity in Delta State would not have come at a better time than this.
“Our association is working toward organising the smallholding miners to ensure that miners in the state are aware of their responsibility with regard to royalty payment,” Idolor 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.
-
Editorial17 hours agoBeyond Accessing Bonny By Road
-
News20 hours agoSERAP Sues Govs, FCT Minister Over Security Vote Spending
-
Sports17 hours agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Niger Delta17 hours agoINC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form
-
Sports17 hours agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports16 hours agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
News20 hours agoAkande Proffers solution to insecurity in Nigeria
-
Sports17 hours ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”