Stakeholders Applaud Move To Establish University Of Environment

Stakeholders in Ogoniland, Rivers State, have welcomed the move by the Federal Government to establish a University of Environment in Ogoni.
It would be recalled that the bill for the proposed University of Environment sponsored by the Senator representing Rivers South East in the National Assembly, Senator Barry Mpigi, has passed second reading in the senate.
A cross section of Ogonis who spoke to The Tide on the issue, said the institution is welcome.
They however said the proposal should not only end up on the pages of newspapers, stressing that both the Ogonis and the rest of the Niger need the institution to tackle the numerous environmental challenges confronting the region speaking in an interview, a member of the interim committee of the Movement for the survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) Mr Bari Ara Kpalap said the institution is a welcome development.
Kpalap said MOSOP leadership and the entire Ogonis will work with the relevant authorities to ensure the smooth take off of the institution, once the bill is signed by the president.
He however said the institution cannot be a substitute for the centre of excellence, recommended by the UNEP report.
According to him, the centre of excellence was recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Kpalap also told The Tide that the MOSOP interim committee is yet to pressurize the management of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) on the provision of water to communities in Ogoni.
Also speaking, former spokesman of MOSOP, Mr Sunny Zorvah, said Ogonis are happy with the proposed university, stressing that it is the yearnings of every Ogoni man that an institution of that nature be established in their area to proffer solutions to the numerous environmental challenges facing their communities.
He stressed the need for the proposed university to be properly equipped with all departments and facilities to function effectively.