Environment
Ministry Urges Investment In Bamboo Production
The Federal Ministry of
Environment has called on both corporate bodies and individuals to invest in bamboo production.
The Desk Officer for Bamboo and Rattan Production in the ministry, Mr Adebayo Ibrahim, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Ibrahim said the industry had the potential to boost the nation’s economy in the area of non-oil production resources.
According to him, bamboo is a gold mine that can employ many people and also create wealth for many Nigerians.
He said that the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), in collaboration with the ministry and the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (IMBAR), had developed a white paper; for investing in a green future bamboo value chain in the country.
Ibrahim said the value chain had envisaged a development from nursing and seed raising, planting and harvesting to processing and marketing.
He said the value chain process, targeted farming communities where the entire production process would be carried out within plantation farms.
He said the document also developed a technical and business skill for private bamboo processors as well as improving capacities in harvesting and post-harvest treatment.
According to him, the document has also developed and improved the marketing skills for the people.
The desk officer, who is also an Assistant Director in the ministry, said that UNIDO had also pledged 150,000 dollars for the provision of expertise and machines for enhancing bamboo production in the country.
Ibrahim said the Federal Government, as part of its counterpart funding, had commenced the reactivation of the National Forest Utilisation Centre in Benin.
He said the centre, owned by the Federal Department of Forestry, had all the infrastructure required for wood processing.
“The Federal Government will renovate the centre, while UNIDO will bring technicians and machines for the processing of bamboo.
“UNIDO will also train artisans and rural farmers on bamboo processing.
“The UNIDO funding pattern in this case is not going to be in cash,’’ he said.
Ibrahim said the ministry had inaugurated a steering committee known as the National Bamboo and Rattan Development Programme (NBARDEP).
He said the committee had already identified stakeholders in the production of bamboo, adding that it was building synergies with relevant agencies of government as well as the private sector.
Ibrahim said the ministry was working hard to ensure that the production of bamboo commenced in a most robust manner, adding that the ministry was in partnership with many relevant agencies.
Reports say that bamboo production is the brainchild of the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The first national stakeholder’s sensitisation workshop on the sustainability and development of bamboo and rattan in Nigeria was held in Benin in 2012.
A building devastated by rainstorm in Rivers State, recently.
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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