News
N’Delta Faces Resource Depletion -Experts
Experts in the environment sector have raised alarm that Niger Delta states may face resource depletion, if they fail to evolve proactive measures to check biodiversity exploitation on a large scale.
The experts made their view public at a one-day seminar organised by the Department of Animal/Environmental Biology, Rivers State University in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) tagged, “Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation in Government and Oil and Gas Operations and Policies in the Niger Delta”, last Monday in Port Harcourt.
Professor of Conservation in the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology in the state university, Prof. Godfrey Akani observed that the issue of biodiversity and conservation has become a source of concern since the region has faced a lot of environmental degradation arising from oil exploration and production over the years.
He said, “…In the Niger Delta, several wildlife species are on the brink of extinction – traceable also to multiple pressures, including unbridled anthropogenic activities, and oil and gas operations”.
Akani maintained that, “We will not like our biodiversity status to degenerate to the level observed in the Caspian littoral states. We have ample reasons to protect our biodiversity from depletion”.
In his paper titled, “Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Oil and Gas Operations and Policies in the Niger Delta: The Case of Delta State”, Director, Ministry of Environment, Delta State, Dr. Obiebi Emamezi said, “the more we delay enforcing biodiversity laws, the more we are hastening our extinction”.
Emamezi stressed the need to enforce conservation laws that will protect natural resources from poaching, deforestation, contamination and pollution, while regretting that so many conserved areas in the region were now under serious danger.
He added that, “60 to 80 per cent of endangered species of animals in Africa are found in the Niger Delta”, and that, “50 per cent of fish harvested in the Gulf of Guinea breed in the Niger Delta”.
The director recommended the need for collaboration between government and oil exploration and production firms in implementing environmental protection laws and policies affecting their activities.
Similarly, Director of Forestry in the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Nkemdirim Odoya warned that the expanse of land covering over 46,000 square kilometres in the Niger Delta was under threat because of “over exploitation, over-hunting, and over-harvesting of wildlife”.
She said that, “the over-harvesting of wildlife is such that it depletes the growing areas, and most of our wetlands now are now being converted to waste lands”.
Odoya recommended the urgency for trained manpower, budgetary allocation for environmental protection and the need to enforce existing laws on deforestation and wildlife poaching.
The same view was expressed by former director of Forestry in Bayelsa State, Mr. George Amoru, who lamented that among the 12 conserved sites in the state; only two are existing and are now facing extinction due to human poaching, dredging, oil exploration, and total negligence by the authorities.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
-
News15 hours ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
Politics3 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News3 days agoCourt Sentences Seven To Death Over Murder Of Cleric In Rivers
-
News16 hours ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports3 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Politics3 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Politics3 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries
-
Politics3 days agoOtu Vows To Recall Indolent, Arrogant Cross River Legislators