Environment
NEMA Makes Case For SEMAs
The South-South zone of National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA) has advocated for a legal framework for the setting up of the state
equivalent to be able to discharge its duties efficiently and effectively.
NEMA’s Zonal Coordinator, Mr Umesi Emenike, made the
suggestion at a news conference in Port Harcourt on Friday.
“It is only Akwa Ibom that has legal backing for SEMA in the
South-South region; so we need such an instrument in all the states.”
He said that a proper legal framework with funding and
staffing would enable the agency to function properly.
He decried the poor emergency response to disaster in some
states in the South-South zone, adding that inadequate funding of SEMA hindered
progress in emergency matters.
‘’We need to work with the agency; I think if we have this
close relationship, there will be synergy in managing disasters.
‘’Most of the states and local governments, especially in
the zone, have no structure in place for crisis management,’’ he noted.
The coordinator said that NEMA had embarked on various
sensitisation programmes to enlighten the people in the zone on emergency
matters.
“We have educated them on solid waste management as part of
the agency’s efforts to reduce flooding in the region.
“Earlier this year, we started with issues like fire
sensitisation exercise and inauguration of disaster risk reduction (DRR) club
in secondary schools in the zone,” he said.
He said that the south-south zone of NEMA would continue to
work hard to mitigate disaster in the region, and called on all the state
governors to equip their SEMAs and prepare them to respond quickly to emergency
situations.
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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