Environment
Stakeholders Task LG Boss On Wildlife Conservation
Some stakeholders in Andoni Local Government Area have called on the incoming Administration of the Local Government Area, to as a matter of urgency, consider for passage into by-law the draft legislator on wildlife conservation in Andoni.
It would be recalled that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had in 2019 submiad a Draft by-law on wildlife species conservation in Andoni to the outgoing administration in the area.
The draft by-law is titled: “Andoni Local Government wildlife species protection By-laws: The protection of a endangered flora and fauria Byelaw 2019.
According to the UNDP, the by-laws was aimed to provide for the conservation and management of Andoni Local Governments wild life and the protection of some of her endangered species due to over exploitation, habitat change or loss as required under the National Wildlife Species Protection Amendment Act 2015. It also said the document was in line with the convention on international trade in endangered species on wild faunia and flora (CITES), The convention on migratory species of wild animals (CMS) and her daughter agreement and protocols and the convention on Biological Diversity to which Nigeria a signatory”.
Speaking in a telephone interview with The Tide, some of the stakeholders regretted the non-implementation of the draft bill by the outgoing administration in the area.
They said, if this had been done, the continuous roaming of the elephants and other wildlife species in the area will have seen checked.
A youth leader, Mr Joshua Ngo told The Tide that the outgoing administration did not see the need for the creation of wildlife cluster, proposed by the organisation.
He said, if this had been done, the present problem being faced by inhabitants of the Andoni mainland over the continous roaming of some wildlife species, particularly the elephants would have been checked.
“Most Wildlife, like the elephants, are becoming a problem to the inhabitants.
“Government should consider a reserve to put in checks the movement of their Animals”, he said.
Also speaking, the chairman Community Development Committee (CDC), Ngo, Mr Clement Clement said tourism will be boasted if the draft legislation by the UNDP was implemented.
According to him, with the largest coastline and a large number of elephants and other animal species, Andoni Local Government Council and indeed Rivers State will reap bountifully from opportunities that will be created with the implementation of the draft by-laws.
It would be recalled that the outgoing Andoni Local Government Chairman, Paul Lawrence Paul, had in a recent interview blamed the non-take off of the proposed elephant cluster on the uncooperative attitude of officials of federal ministry of agriculture and forestry.
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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