UNEP Commences Environmental Assessment Project In Ogoni

The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) has commenced its second phase sampling programme of oil polluted sites in Ogoni land.

The commencement of the programme followed a three-day technical training module organised by UNEP at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) Port Harcourt.

The training was aimed to develop the capacity as well as create awareness for UNEP staff as well as key partners and stakeholder involved in the project.

A statement released by UNEP to newsmen in Port Harcourt, say the overall objective of the workshop was to understand and apply international best practices for the scientific phase of the assessment programme.

According to the statement experts from UNEP will visit strategic locations within the four local government areas of Eleme, Tai, Khana and Gokana.

It says the ceremony attracted such a senior government officials as the secretary to the Rivers State Government, Mr. Magnus Abe represented by Stevens Okoro, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Patrice Simon-Hart, the Vice Chancellor Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Professor B.B. Fakae and Mr. Enyi U.U of National Oil Spill Detection Agency (NOSDRA) amongst others.

The statement which was signed by the communication Adviser to UNEP, Mr. Jimmy Okoro quoted the representative of the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Mr. Stevens Okoro as thanking UNEP for the programme, adding that if would that it would strengthen existing capacities of government personnel.

It also stated that final environmental assessment report of the programme will be published before the end of this year by the organisation.