Environment
Kerosene Scarcity Threatens Desertification Control
The current scarcity of kerosene in the country is capable of setting back the campaign against deforestation, if not arrested on time, through alternative sources of energy, an environmentalist has warned.
The Environmentalists, Dr. William Arab, the North East Zonal Director, National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA), gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Gombe.
Arab said that with the scarcity of kerosene, which he described as the major source of cooking energy, more people would be forced to rely on firewood, resulting in further depletion of the forest.
“This problem will definitely force many people that had hitherto been depending on kerosene to resort to the use of firewood,” he said.
According to him, the indiscriminate cutting of trees can cause desertification, erosion and flooding in the country.
He said that this in turn would lead to accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, with negative effects on the Ozone layer and possible climatic change.
The director, therefore, called on government and the private sector to continue the search for alternative sources of energy, especially solar energy.
Meanwhile, most kerosene sellers in Gombe have resorted to selling firewood to make ends meet.
One of such traders, Malam Magahi Ali, told our correspondent that many of his business colleagues had also “cross-carpeted” for survival
Abu-Bakr Mohammed, a firewood seller, at Federal Low Cost Housing Estate, Gombe, said his business had so far recorded 30 per cent increase, two weeks into the scarcity.
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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