Environment
Expert Lists Dangers Of Ozone Layer Depletion
An environmentalist, Mr Uche Agbanusi says the continuous depletion of the ozone layer by humans through unchecked destruction of natural resources is responsible for several environmental and health problems.
Agbanusi, who is also a former National President, Nigerian Environmental Society, said this in an interview with newsmwn in Abuja.
He said that ozone layer depletion entailed the creation of “holes” in the atmosphere, in the shield of atmospheric ozone which protected the earth surface from harmful ultra-violet radiations from the sun.
“The human-induced gases tend to reduce the regulatory roles of the ozone layer by creating holes in the ozone, thereby allowing in a large percentage of the rays of the visible light from the sun.
“And this affects the earth’s surface in the form of long-wave infrared radiation, which affects the human body and often times causes skin cancer,” he said.
Agbanusi, who cited some Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports, said that human contribution of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere had intensified the depletion of the ozone layer over the years.
EPA which was established in 1970, seeks to protect and conserve the natural environment and improve the health of humans by researching the effects of chemicals and other pollutants, while specifying limits on their presence in the environment.
Agbanusi stressed that Nigeria was not exempted from the effects of ozone layer depletion inasmuch as human activities such as burning of fossil fuels and industrial activities were happening in the country.
He, called on the Federal Government to quickly devise strategies to reduce effects of climate change and emission of greenhouse gases.
He said that this was essential to save the lives of Nigerians and protect the nation’s environment for the present and future generations.
According to him, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in the whole world is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation.
He noted that Nigeria was actively participating in all these activities.
“The harmful effects of the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere include global warming, climate change, ozone depletion, sea level rise and adverse effects on biodiversity.
“In one way or another, these adverse impacts are all directly or indirectly related to the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Agbanusi said, “Human energy production releases chemicals such as nitrogen oxide that react with other chemicals when sunlight is present, thereby creating greenhouse gases which deplete the ozone layer.
“The depletion of the ozone layer is harmful to ecosystems as well; it damages crops and creates respiratory problems in humans.”
Agbanusi, therefore, warned against indiscriminate deforestation and other activities that could further deplete the ozone layer, so as to protect the environment from the effects of heat radiation.
Following the protest that rock the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP)last Monday by some youth groups in Ogoniland calling for the dissolution of the governing board of the agency,s more groups in the area said the call is not necessary, as it was aimed at querying the pedigree of the Project Cordinator, Prof Neniibarini Zabbey.
In an interview with journalists, the Bodo City Youth Federation led by Joseph Lenu and his executive members said they condems in strong terms the protest led by the President Generalof Ogoni Youth Federation, Mr. Lagborsi Yaamabaana.
Group further warned that the youths would not take it kindly with any groups or individuals that want to undermine the peace and security of Ogoni land at this critical time noting that the organiser of the said Protest should tender an apology to the project coordinator and the Ogoni youths.
A concerned group under the auspices of Ogoni General Youth Assembly, has distanced itself from the protest organised by Mr. Legbosi Yaamabaana against the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) last Monday.
The President of the group, Comrade BarinekaTornwe in a statement said the Protest led by Yaamabaana was against the best interest of the Ogonis and would not yield any positive result.
According to him, Yaamabaana, a HYPREP contractor himself, would only be using the sweat and blood of Ogoni youths to push for more expensive contracts”, adding that the said youth leader “Yaamabaan is always on self-enrichment mode and never for the over-all good interest of the Ogoni youths”
Tornwe therefore enjoined all Ogoni youths to avoid him and rather support HYPREP to execute its core mandate of providing alternative source of livelihood to Ogonis through skills training for women and youths.
It would be recalled that recently, HYPREP concluded another training for 3,000 Ogoni youths and women in various empowernment skills, and pledged not to relent its effort in the interest of the people of Ogoni.
The president of the group, further alleged that “It is Yaamabaana’s plan to hijack the central youth training programme from HYPREP and run it a contractor”.
Tornwe however commended HYPREP for what it has done so far on the execution of its mandate, and appealed that it should stay focused on its assignment and not to allow treacherous persons to sway it into the wrong way.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Terlummum Utsev has called on the Rivers State Government to fulfill it own agreement of ending open defecation by the year 2030.
Prof. Utsev stated this in Port Harcourt during a familiarisation tour to the Niger Delta Basin Authority (NDBA) facilities and projects in the State,
He said eradicating open defecation will improve hygiene, sanitation and health standard of the people.
The Minister explained that the visit was aimed at assessing infrastructure, programmes of the authority required to meet the agenda of President Bola Tinubu in ensuring a better society.
He said toilets must be constructed at motor parks with a view to enthroning hygiene.
“To end open defecation and enthrone hygiene, we need to construct toilets at the motor parks, hospitals, schools and public places to ensure the objective is achieved. So, the Rivers State Government needs to come on board.
“There is a need for us to build synergy between the three tiers of government to ensure that this is achieved.” he said.
The Minister also explained that access to potable water is part of the mandate of the Ministry, and assured that it will be delivered.
. “We are targeting about 500 hectares of land across the country under irrigation. We cannot succeed without completing all our dams that are under construction, ensuring we complete the projects.
“We will engage state governments in allocation of lands, while we provide water for irrigation, the government is supposed to give the Certificate of Occupancy to ensure that the land belongs to the farmers to avoid any issue with the farmers,” he said.
“The government is serious about improving the lives of Nigerians, ensuring food security, wealth creation and youth empowerment”
“Some projects that will drive this have been completed, while some are ongoing, we are determined to complete more projects and initiate new ones.”
It would be recalled that Nigeria currently sits at the top as far as open defecation was concerned.
The country took over from India.
It would also be noted that out of the 36 States in the country, only Jigawa State is open defecation free.
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