Environment
Expert Seeks Investment In Waste-To-Wealth Programme
A waste management expert, Prof. Oladele Osibanjo, has advised all tiers of government to invest in the waste-to-wealth programme in 2018.
Osibanjo, the President, Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMSON), gave the advice on Tuesday in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He also urged them to provide the enabling environment for investors to turn all types of waste to valuable raw materials.
‘‘For now, the Federal, State and Local Governments are treating waste with levity and things cannot continue like this.
“There should be a positive change; so I am looking forward to the three tiers of governments, being committed to taking waste to the next level in 2018.
‘‘I expect them to embrace waste-to-wealth, waste-to-energy, and know that global warming is real and that waste also contribute to global warming,” he said.
Osibanjo pleaded with the Federal Government to ensure the passage of the waste for wealth bill in the National Assembly and sign it into law to kick-start the integrated management of waste in the country.
He said that with a law in place, companies and individuals would use different methodologies to develop the nation’s waste to create jobs for the citizens.
Osibanjo expressed hope that this would reduce the numerous complaints by citizens and environment lovers, of refuse littering their areas, including water bodies and drainage channels.
The WAMSON president also appealed to people to develop waste materials and unlock the potential in them.
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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