Environment
Bayelsa Community Sues Firm Over Oil Spills
Ikebiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has filed a lawsuit against ENI, the parent company of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) at UN Italian Court over its liabilities over an oil spill and pollution in the area.
Ikebiri, which is a coastal community is seeking the cleaning of its environment and compensation for damages from an oil spillage that affected their community in 2010.
A statement signed by Head of Legal Resource at Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FOEN) Chima Williams, said the organisation is supporting the community in its legal action.
A copy of the statement which was made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt also said the group is offering legal support services to the community alongside Friends of the Earth Europe.
According to the statement, Ikebiri community is seeking for adequate compensation and clean up of an oil spill that occurred in 2010 which is yet to be addressed.
It said that ENI, which operated in Nigeria as NAOC, was allegedly responsible for the spill that was caused by equipment failures.
The statement further said the Executive Director of ERA/FOEN, as saying, this is the first case of its kind against Italian oil giant, ENI, after years of oil exploitation in the Niger Delta of Nigeria.
“Negligence and nonchalance from ENI and its subsidiary, NAOC, has left the Ikebiri community suffering from the impacts of pollution for seven years.
“The leak was plugged in 2010 and NAOC claimed it had cleaned up the site.
“However the community said the oil spill was simply burnt, without their consent.
“To date, no adequate compensation has been offered or the cleanup completed”, Ojo said.
It also had the traditional ruler of the community, Chief Francis Temi Ododo, saying communities in the affected areas can no longer carry out fishing and farming activities. We are now looking to the Italian court for justice for our people.”
The communities of the Niger Delta have had to live for decades with the effects of continuous oil spills which had gravely affected their health, welfare and livelihoods.
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.
-
Sports5 days agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Sports5 days agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
Sports5 days agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports5 days ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
Sports5 days agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali
-
Sports5 days agoRemo, Ikorodu set for NPFL hearing, Today
-
Sports5 days agoPolice Games: LOC inspects facilities in Asaba
-
Niger Delta5 days agoINC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form