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WED: Challenges Of Coastal Erosion In Rivers

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12 years ago

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Small Island Develop
ing States (SIDs), Raise Your Voice Not The Sea Level.”
That was the theme and sub-theme respectively of this year’s World Environment Day (WED).
The World Environment Day was introduced by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to draw global attention to the devastating impact of climate change on the environment.
For last year, the celebration had the theme; “Think, Eat, Save, Reduce Your Footprint,” while for this year. It is Small Island Developing States (SIDs).”
The significance of this year’s celebration was that attention was being focused on the environmental challenges confronting Small Island Nations, which are vulnerable to ocean surge.
Rivers State by its geographical location is a littoral state with small islands that are already feeling the effect of climate change.
Some of these islands in Rivers State are; Andoni, Bonny Okrika, Opobo and Kalabari among others.
The grand finale of the celebration in Rivers State which took place at the Alfred Diette Spiff Civic Centre was attended by corporate organisations and individuals.
Among the corporate organizations that attended the celebration included:  the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), Indorama Nigeria Limited Nigeria Limited Natural Gas Liquefied (NLNG) and other international oil corporations (IOCs).
Also at the event were representatives of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Among personalities at the celebration include: Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, ably represented by the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr. Ipalibo Harry, Chairman, Rivers State House of Asssembly Committee on Environment, Hon. (Mrs) Victoria Nyeche, Professor Winston Bellgam, Dr Okikere Iragunima, Chief Medical Director, Rivers State Hospital Management Board, Dr Nyema Weli, Commissioner for Environment Rivers State and his health counterpart, Dr Sampson Parker, among others.
The Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Hon. Mrs Victoria Nyeche, in her opening remark said that, the theme for the celebration must be localised to reflect the environmental realities facing the state.
Hon Nyeche, who was chairman of the occasion, regretted that the World Environment Day celebration had become a yearly ritual without definite steps being taken by the authorities to address problems highlighted during celebration.
According to her, the objective of the celebration will be defeated, if the government fails to address it.
She, however, said that, the issue of saving our environment from pollution must be seen as a collective effort by all as the government alone cannot do it.
“There must be a resolution to do something to improve the environment,” she said.
Hon.  Nyeche said that the Rivers State House of Assembly has taken steps to improve the environment especially with the passage of the Rivers State Waste Management Bill into law and urged the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to give his accent to the bill.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Nyema Weli said that the theme was to call attention of the international community to threat of sub mergence of coastal communities across the world, following the rising sea level.
Dr Weli said that Rivers State was not immune from this threat as tidal erosion was threatening the existence of many riverine communities in the state.
The commissioner, who attributed this situation to the anti-environmental activities of man, said that, time has come for the enactment of policies and programmes to check  man’s activities on the environment.
Acording to him, “we have contributed to the problem of green house gases.”
“This is the time to remind all to reduce our carbon emission and cherished processes that encourage us to dispose our waste properly.”
He said that the ministry has proposed a new Rivers State Environmentla Management Bill to ensure sustainable environment for the state.
The commissioner also advocated tree planting exercise across the state to check tidal and other forms of erosion while environmentally friendly electronic gadgets must be used by homes across the State.
The State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Dr Ipalibo Harry, urged the Federal Government to treat the state as a special area in view of its vulnerability to ocean surge and other natural disasters.
Rt. Hon. Amaechi said that the state government has professionalised waste management system in the state, while increased budgetary allocation has been made to the Rivers State Minsitry of Environment.
He condemned the continous building on water right of ways by some residents of the State as well as the continous use of dynamites by fishermen.
The Governor urged Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) to wake up to their responsibilities of checking some anti-environmental practices in the state, such as the use of tyres to roast meat  in abattoirs among others.
In his keynote address, Professor Winston Bellgam explained that Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta have peculiar environmental challenges that distinguishes them from the rest of the country.
Professor Bellgam said that time has come for the Nigerian government to put in place processes towards the development of the coastal areas.
A cross section of the people who attended the event said that the position of Hon. Victoria Nyeche, must be taken seriously in order to realise the objective of the celebration.
They also urged the government  to give more attention to the problem of coastal communities as some of them would in the nearest future become extinct due to rising sea level.
It would be recalled that before the grand final, awareness campaign was carried out by the government in Bonny and Ngo, while a tree planting exercise was carried out at the Isaac  Boro Park.

Cross section of participants at the 2014 World Environment Day celebration in Port Harcourt, recently.

Cross section of participants at the 2014 World Environment Day celebration in Port Harcourt, recently.

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AEPB Reaffirms Commitment To Improved Waste Management, Sanitation Standards

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3 weeks ago

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June 8, 2026

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The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by improving waste management infrastructure, and enforcing public health sanitation standards in the territory.
The Director of AEPB, Mrs Kate Ogbonna, said this at the 2026 FCT World Environment Day Commemoration Symposium on Friday in Abuja.
“As the custodian of the FCT environment, AEPB remains committed to promoting environmental sustainability through effective environmental monitoring, pollution control and waste management amongst others.
“Today, we join millions of people across the globe in commemorating World Environment Day, the United Nations’ foremost platform for promoting environmental awareness and action.
“The theme for this year’s commemoration: Climate Change and Urbanisation – Building Resilient Cities,” is particularly relevant to our rapidly changing world,” Ogbonna said.
She said that while cities remained centres of economic growth, innovation, and human development, they are also increasingly exposed to climate-related challenges such as flooding, pollution and environmental amongst others.
“We engaged 54 waste management service contractors to further strengthened environmental sanitation across the city.
“Ongoing infrastructural development in satellite towns and sub-urban communities is improving connectivity and reducing development pressure on the city centre,” the AEPB director said.
She explained that these interventions aligns closely with the objectives of 2026 theme and demonstrates practical steps towards building resilient and sustainable cities.
She stated that the participation of schools in this annual commemoration remained a vital component of the environmental education efforts.
“By engaging young people in environmental conversations and activities, we are helping to nurture a generation that is better equipped to champion sustainable development and environmental stewardship,” Ogbonna said.
Also speaking, Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, said that climate change was no longer a distant concern and noted that Abuja, as Nigeria’s capital, was not insulated from its realities.
“World Environment Day provides an important opportunity for governments, institutions, communities, and citizens to reflect on environmental challenges and recommit themselves to sustainable solutions that will safeguard our common future.
“While urbanisation has brought significant economic opportunities, technological advancement, and improved access to services, it has also placed unprecedented pressure on natural resources, infrastructure, and the environment.
“Across the world, cities are experiencing rising temperatures, more frequent flooding, extreme weather events, declining biodiversity, and growing pressure on public infrastructure.
Obuah stated that these impacts threaten livelihoods, public health, economic productivity, and overall quality of life.
“The rapid expansion of residential communities, commercial activities, transportation networks, and supporting infrastructure has increased the demand for land, water, energy, and environmental services.
“At the same time, changing weather patterns have heightened concerns relating to flooding, erosion, and pressure on drainage infrastructure, while rapid urban growth continues to place additional demands on waste management systems and green spaces.
“The choices we make today in urban planning, environmental management, and climate adaptation will not only shape the future of the FCT but can also serve as a model for other cities across the country.”
He urged residents to build cities that are not only economically vibrant and socially inclusive but also environmentally sustainable and resilient to climate-related shocks.
“Resilient cities are cities that can anticipate risks, withstand disruptions, adapt to changing conditions, and recover quickly while maintaining essential services and protecting their citizens.
“The FCT Administration under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, remains committed to creating a modern, functional, and environmentally sustainable capital city.
“Through strategic investments in infrastructure, environmental sanitation, urban planning, drainage improvement, landscape enhancement, and regulatory enforcement, the Administration continues to strengthen Abuja’s capacity to respond to emerging environmental challenges.”
The coordinator assured that AMMC is working through its departments and agencies, AEPB to implement programmes aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life of residents.
He urged the media to educate and mobilise the public adding that communities and residents must adopt environmentally responsible behaviours and actively participate in protecting their surroundings.
“As we deliberate during this symposium, I encourage all participants to engage constructively, share innovative ideas, and explore practical pathways for strengthening climate resilience within the FCT.
“Let this symposium serve as a catalyst for practical actions, stronger partnerships, and innovative solutions towards building a more resilient FCT.
“Together, we can build an Abuja that remains a model capital city for Nigeria, Africa, and the world; a city that balances development with environmental responsibility and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations,”Obuah said.
In a message to the symposium, Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, said climate change has brought great harm to the ecosystem.
Guterres who was represented by Mrs Bolanle Elumekor, a Management Assistant at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Lagos, said that it was pertinent to fulfill climate financing promises to the developing countries.
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Group Marks World Environment Day with Tree Planting, Awareness Campaigns 

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3 weeks ago

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June 8, 2026

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Green Planters and Trimmers Union together with students from various secondary schools in Bonny, Rivers State commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day with a call for environmental protection and sustainable living.
The event, held over the weekend at the Auditorium of the Bonny Youth Federation (BYF), featured participation from Bonny National Grammar School (BNGS), Universal Basic Education (UBE), Heaven on Earth Academy, Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), and Finima Bonny Senior Secondary School.
National President, Green Planters and Trimmers Union, Henry Jumbo
Activities at the celebration included an interactive session with students, moderated by the Chairman of the Union, symbolic tree planting by participating schools alongside the union’s executive members, and group photographs with school delegations.
In his keynote address, founder and National President of the Green Planters and Trimmers Union, Henry Jumbo, emphasised the significance of green environments to human survival and development.
He noted that World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5, adding that the union, established in 2020, remains committed to promoting environmental sustainability through awareness and action.
Jumbo stressed that “wherever you see green, it is bounded to fruitfulness,” highlighting the connection between nature and human well-being. He described green plants as vital sources of oxygen, food, and economic resources, while also playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
He however warned against the dangers of deforestation, stating that the indiscriminate cutting down of trees leads to erosion, flooding, landslides, loss of animal habitats, air pollution, and a decline in air quality.
According to him, the depletion of forests also contributes to economic hardship and loss of livelihoods, particularly for communities that depend on natural resources.
The environmental advocate further explained that trees help regulate water flow and prevent natural disasters, noting that the absence of forests increases the risk of flooding, especially in riverine areas like Bonny.
Jumbo urged students and residents to embrace nature and take deliberate steps to protect the environment, including planting trees and maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.
The event underscored the importance of grassroots sensitisation, with the union encouraging young people to become active participants in environmental conservation.
The Green Planters and Trimmers Union adopted the slogan “Evergreen! Ever Fruitful!!” as a reminder of the continuous need to preserve and sustain the environment for future generations.
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Climate Change Group Charged To Plate Trees 

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3 weeks ago

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June 8, 2026

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World Environment Day, a group, Journalists For Sustainable Development Initiative (JSDI) has called on all and sundry to imbibe the habit of planting trees to combat the effect of climate change on the environment.
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?Executive Director of of the Group, Dr. Parry Saroh Benson gave the charge while adressing journalists on the sideline of  a symposium to mark the day, organised in partnership with the Federal University of Environment Technology, Ogoni and the Centre for Climate Change and Forest Resources, Rivers State University, in Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.
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?He said the impact of climate change is now glaring, hence the need for everyone to double efforts in ensuring trees are planted on a daily basis.
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?”Every man should learn to plant a tree. Planting trees is an exercise that should be done on daily basis because we all are now experiencing the impact of climate change. It has come to stay.
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?”Everybody is complaining there is heat, there is so much sun. In fact, since January up until now, we do not know when it’s rainy season and when it’s dry season here in Rivers state like we used to experience. This is because of  climate change, ” he said.
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?Benson appealed to people of Rivers State and South South Region in particular who suffer much from air pollution due to exploration activities to plant trees around their environments.
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?He noted that tree planting would enable the region have clean air to breathe.
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?”We are appealing to everyone here in the South-South; plant a tree every day because tree planting  will enable us have clean air. Trees around bring about clean air, ” he appealed.
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?The climate ambassador further urged residents of the region to take activities around their environment seriously saying that whatever affects the environment, affects everyone.
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?”Our message is that we must plant trees, and everyone should be concerned about his environment. This is not the time to act like “I don’t care”, “I don’t know what is happening”. No. We all must know what is happening in our environment because climate change has come to stay, ” he maintain.
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