Environment
Group Decries Indiscriminate Tree Felling
The indiscriminate felling of trees in the rural communities across the state has been described as sabotage against the government in its effort at fighting against deforestation and desertification in the country.
Spokesman for the Abua/Odual Youthful Initiative on Climate Change (AOYICC), Comrade Oye Jerry Oyeni who made the condemnation in a chat with our special correspondent over the weekend in his office at Ayama, Abua Central called for intensive tree planting campaigns at the grassroots to enhance timber production in the future.
He said the unwholesome practice had led to houses being built on waterways and channels without minding the dangers inherent during flooding in the rainy seasons.
According to him, out of the 23 local government areas in the state, only seven had urban status while sixteen are rural and mostly not planned by town planners.
On why people choose to build on natural waters without minding the consequences, Comrade Oyeni attributed the practice to lack of professional advice from environmentalists at the grassroots level.
He called on environment experts to take the war against environmental degradation to the grassroots as most of the rural dwellers were not aware of the causes and dangers of climate change.
Comrade Oyeni said most of them were not even aware that their activities were major contributors to climate change. He called for a check on land owners who give out their land for sale irrespective of the terrain.
He attributed the trend to the craze for quick money were land ownership has become a norm with the highest bidder acquiring as many plots of land as possible.
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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