Environment
‘Environment Degradation Reduces Life Expectancy In N’Delta’
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
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.
-
Niger Delta3 days agoPDP Declares Edo Airline’s Plan As Misplaced Priority
-
Sports3 days agoSimba open Nwabali talks
-
Nation3 days agoHoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries
-
News4 days agoDon Lauds RSG, NECA On Job Fair
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Stakeholders Task INC Aspirants On Dev … As ELECO Promises Transparent, Credible Polls
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Students Protest Non-indigene Appointment As Rector in C’River
-
Oil & Energy3 days agoNUPRC Unveils Three-pillar Transformative Vision, Pledges Efficiency, Partnership
-
Nation3 days ago
Maternal Mortality: RSG Identifies 6 High Risk Local Government Areas