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‘Environment Degradation Reduces Life Expectancy In N’Delta’

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15 years ago

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A drastic reduction in the life expectancy  of the people living in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria has been attributed  to environmental degradation, occasioned by the activities of the oil explorers within the region.

In an interactive session with our correspondent, Dr Finomo Julia Awajiusuk, a lecturer and an environmentalist, analysed the impact of constant   gas flaring by the oil producing companies in and around the Niger Delta region.

She described the air in the Niger Delta as being highly polluted and so capable of devastating  the lives of the inhabitants.

She said “The air in the Niger Delta is highly polluted. As I speak with you life expectancy in the Niger Delta is 45yrs. Very soon, if  you scale through 60yrs , then you have to show gratitude to God. The alarming rate of premature death in this area is largely caused by the polluted environment”.

Dr. Finomo explains that in Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA, a distance of 8kms accommodates not less than twelve gas plants, standing and each emitting gas and devastating the environment.

She further explained that one condemnable aspect of gas flaring is that because the stands are so high, it diffuses into the atmosphere and penetrates into the ozone layer which when depleted, loses its friendliness with nature and mankind.

The environmentalist also pointed out that while the Niger Deltans grapple with the air pollution, they still have the problem of water pollution to contend with.

She described the inhabitants as a people that breathe in polluted air and drink contaminated water, as well as eat contaminated sea creatures.

At the end of the day, the lecturer explained that due to the inability of the crops in the land to yield well because of the devastation on the land, the Niger Delta dweller is frustrated out of  life because there is no longer comfort in their own domain.

She therefore called, on the federal government to do its best to make the December 12th zero-flaring date a reality.

It would be recalled that the zero-flaring date had remained a moving date in the past dispensation.

Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

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Environment

LWC, Julius Berger seek stronger coordination on Lagos infrastructure

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6 days ago

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August 17, 2026

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The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has commenced discussions with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to strengthen coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.
This is contained in a statement issued by the corporation.
The corporation said the engagement followed a courtesy and familiarisation visit led by its Managing Director, Mr Mukhtaar Tijani, to Julius Berger’s Ijora office.
It said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relations and creating opportunities for deeper collaboration between both organisations.
The corporation stressed the importance of cordial relationships with neighbouring organisations and strategic stakeholders to promote future collaboration.
The meeting focused on road construction, water pipeline protection, water infrastructure development and sustainable water supply across Lagos Island and its environs.
Both organisations highlighted the need for early communication and technical coordination to prevent conflicts between road projects and existing water infrastructure.
Julius Berger Regional Commercial Manager, Region West, Mr Alexander Bauer, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable engineering solutions rather than short-term fixes.
Bauer stressed the importance of early stakeholder engagement and proper coordination before construction activities begin.
The meeting also examined access to project drawings and technical information required to improve coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.
Julius Berger explained that releasing detailed project drawings remained subject to approval from the appropriate client.
Both organisations therefore agreed on the need to engage the Lagos State Government to secure necessary approvals and strengthen technical collaboration.
The discussions also focused on accurate pipeline information and its importance in planning future water infrastructure and urban development projects.
The LWC delegation raised concerns about uncoordinated borehole drilling and its potential effects on groundwater resources and the ecosystem.
Participants noted that stronger public water supply systems could reduce dependence on individual boreholes and help protect underground water resources.
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They also agreed on the importance of sharing information on construction activities, road conditions, project schedules and potential disruptions.
Security and community considerations were also discussed, with Julius Berger highlighting its engagement with relevant authorities on security infrastructure within the area.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to open communication, stronger technical coordination and exploring further opportunities for collaboration.
The engagement is expected to strengthen synergies between water and road infrastructure planning and support resilient and sustainable infrastructure development across Lagos.
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IYD: Climate experts advocate investment in African youth

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6 days ago

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August 17, 2026

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Some Climate Experts across Africa have called for investment in African youth to enhance future security.
They made the call on Wednesday during a webinar organised by Planet, People and Peace Foundation (PPPF), a non-governmental organisation, to observe 2026 International Youth Day (IYD).
According to them, there is a need to invest, listen and create opportunities for young African people.
The Tide source reports that the 2026 theme of the IYD is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’’.
Miss Bisi Kumuyi, the Secretary, Climate Beyond Border Caravan (CBBC), Nigeria, who canvassed for investment in youth, said the future of Africa would be determined by the opportunities the continent created for its young people today.
The CBBC, an initiative of PPPF, is a pan-African, youth-led campaign promoting climate action, cross-border cooperation and green economic transformation across the continent.
‘‘As Africa joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day on Aug. 12, 2026, we celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience and determination of young Africans who continue to shape the continent’s present and future.
‘‘This year’s theme reminds us that young people across Africa live in different social, economic and cultural circumstances.
‘‘They share common aspirations: access to quality education, decent employment, innovation, peace, inclusion, environmental sustainability and opportunities to fulfil their potential,’’ she said.
Also speaking, Mrs Nouran Farouk, an Egyptian Climate Activist, called for urgent investment in Africa’s youth.
According to her, Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and its youthful population represented one of its greatest assets.
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PWDs: CCD Unveils Report On Climate Change Impacts, Urges Implementation

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6 days ago

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August 17, 2026

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The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has unveiled a research report on impacts of climate change on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), calling for its implementation in the country.
The Acting Director CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call  at the public presentation of the report titled: “Disability-Inclusive Greenhouse Gas Emission and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Nigeria” on Wednesday in Lagos.
The event brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities and other key stakeholder to foster dialogue, collaboration and stronger commitment to disability-inclusive climate change adaptation and mitigation in Nigeria.
Unumeri urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and policy commitment toward building climate resilience and ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response.
He noted that valuable insights and recommendations from stakeholders at a validation workshop in February had been incorporated into the report.
According to him, effective implementation of the recommendations requires sustained collaboration, strong policy commitment, adequate resource mobilisation and coordinated action across sectors.
“By working together, we can translate these findings into practical interventions that strengthen climate resilience and ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response,” he said.
In her remarks, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, urged the stakeholders to ensure that the report would be translated into practical interventions to enhance full inclusion of PWDs particularly in climate change policies.
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