Environment
Plateau Moves To Prosecute Illegal Miners
The Plateau State Government last Tuesday threatened to prosecute illegal miners whose activities had become dangerous and detrimental to the environment.
Commissioner for Mineral Development, Mr Sani Adubok, gave the warning in Jos during an interview newsmen.
“The activities of illegal miners have become a cause of concern to the state government.
“Government will no longer tolerate activities of such miners considering the devastating effects on lives and the environment.
“We shall soon commence arresting and prosecuting offenders.
“We can’t allow people to keep threatening the environment in the name of mining; the state has many unclaimed mining ponds littered around and won’t allow that to continue,” he said.
The commissioner said that peasant miners were being monitored and would face the full wrath of the law.
Adubok particularly decried the damage caused to the land around Kuru, saying that it was affecting farming activities seriously.
The commissioner said that the ministry had initiated measures to stop the trend and that prospective miners must seek permission before taking to mining business.
He said that prospective investors from Japan and China were carrying out exploration works in Gimbi in Wase Local Government and Butura in Bokkos Local Government Area.
The commissioner said this was with a view to commence full exploration at the end of the year.
Adubok said that although mining was capital intensive, some few indigenous companies had been issued licences and were already into full operation in the state.
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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