Environment
Expert Traces Nigeria’s Environmental Problems To 1960
Heaps of refuse at Nyanya Gwandara in Nasarawa State
The Executive Director of
Basel convention coordinating Centre for Training and Technology Transfer, Prof Oladele Osinbajo, has traced Nigeria’s environmental problems to 1960.
Prof. Osinbajo, who is a fellow of the Nigerian Environmental Society said this at an exhibition organised by the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Rivers State, recently in Port Harcourt.
He said that Nigeria has undergone rapid, haphazard and unsustainable development since 1960, resulting in a catalogue of environmental challenges which include’, natural resources depletion, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, land and coastal erosion, multi-media environmental pollution, flood disasters desertification, climate change and global warming and unsound management of hazardous waste such as electronic waste and oil spills of various magnitude causing ecological devastation and environment induced social conflict as being experienced in the Niger Delta.
Prof. Osinbajo described the theme for the exhibition which is, “Emerging Environmental Monitoring Technology and Practice” as most appropriate as the situation is focused on achieving good environmental management through exhibition of emerging monitoring technology and delivering of lectures on field experience.
He also commended the Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) for the exhibition.
“The organisation of this event by Nigerian Environmental Society, established about three decades ago, is in fulfillment of one of its stated objectives, which is to deliver and hold lectures, exhibition, public meetings, classes, examinations and conferences calculated directly or indirectly to benefit or advance the works, aims and objectives of the society.”
He said that, the exhibition will provide enabling environment and opportunity of establishing a network of scientists and environmental consultants/practitioners and Technicians/Technologists who can develop a sustainable on-going community of interest in environmental monitoring Prof. Osinbajo urged participants to take advantage of the opportunity of seeing first hand various technologies from cheap to expensive state of the art environmental monitoring equipment, update their knowledge and experiences and make contacts that will be useful to them in future.
The event which took place at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology was attended by people from all walks of live.
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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