Environment
FG Wants Aggressive Approach To Tackle Desert Enchroachment
The Federal Government has tasked Nigerians to rise up to the challenges of desert encroachment through aggressive approach to stem the menace.
Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF) Mr Boss Mustapha, gave the advice at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) 2019 Tree Planting Campaign held at the main campus, Samaru, Zaria.
Mustapha, who was represented by Dr Habiba Lawal, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, said the call became imperative in view of the rate at which desert was encroaching into the country.
The SGF lauded the efforts of ABU for sustaining the annual tree planting campaign and ensuring green environment in the university.
“I urge the university to sustain this event as it contributes to ameliorating climate change conditions,” he said.
In his speech, the ABU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Garba said the event was to mark the World Environment Day which focused on Air Pollution.
He noted that the management of air pollution was far more difficult than plastic wastes.
“While some plastic wastes are mainly in situations, polluted air is on transit and its origins are often not the vulnerable locations at risk.
“This signifies why global concerns on health hazard and risks of climate change are linked to the presence of particulates and gaseous emission that pollute ambient and indoor air,” he said.
The VC said the university had for 40 years adapted domesticated strategies for the non corruption of air in line with Clean Air Act of 1950s, to reduce pollution from source.
This, according to him, was to protect and enhance the quality of ambient air over all the campuses.
He assured that the the university had intensified efforts at creating awareness and educating the university community on the risks associated with air pollution.
Garba said the efforts of the university towards preventing air pollution include; the use of incinerators, ban on burning wastes in open spaces or backyards except designated dump sites, criminalising setting ablaze of university parks and gardens.
He added that the university had also erected Green Wall and parks as buffers against extreme winds and transfer of pollutants from neigbouring communities.
The occasion featured foundation laying of ecological projects to be executed by the federal government in the university.
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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