UNIDO Cautions Against Dumping Of Wastes Into Ocean

A United Nations Inter
national Development Organisation (UNIDO) official, Mr Geoffrey Omedo, last Monday, advised indigenes of Badagry, Lagos State, against dumping of wastes into the Atlantic Ocean.
Omedo told newsmen in Badagry that dumping of wastes into the ocean would affect the ecosystem.
Omedo, who is the Knowledge Management and Communications Officer of UNIDO in Nairobi, Kenya, urged the state government to step up public enlightenment against improper waste disposal.
“The state government should enlighten the people on the effects of dumping wastes into the ocean.
“This is because I have noticed that since this place is a rural area, many of them are not enlightened about its effects.
“We have gone to some hotels and bars on advocacy visit to enlighten them on how they can prevent dumping of wastes into the ocean. This practice affects the ecosystem,’’ he said.
Omedo said that the government could improve on the lifestyle of its citizens by providing them with dustbins and toilets to reduce dumping waste in the ocean.
Omedo, who is on a visit to Nigeria to inspect the Atlantic Ocean coast at Badagry, advised the Lagos State Government to re-brand some of the tourist sites in the town to make them attractive to tourists.
“For instance, the Point-Of-No-Return site needs a new dimension so that tourists will always want to come back after their first visit,’’ Omedo stated.
According to him, UNIDO is working on a project called “Collaborative Tourism Action for Sustainable Tourism,” in Nigeria and in other eight African countries.
He said the project would help to reduce the degradation of marine and coastal environments, and would also help to enhance sustainable tourism business.
“Badagry is a good tourism attraction and must be nurtured in order to reach its full potential,’’ he said.