Environment
RSG Set To Check Illegal Dredging, Sand Mining
The Rivers State Government says it has secured an injunction to stop all forms of illegal dredging and sand mining activities in the state.
State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Igbiks Tamuno, said this at a stakeholders’ meeting recently in Port Harcourt Tamuno said the injunction which was granted by the State High Court didn’t only outlaw illegal dredging and sand mining, but also restricted dredging activities to a radius of 1000 metres from a bridge, jetties or any government infrastructure.
He said, those wishing a engage in dredging and sand mining activities must go through the laid down procedure in order to be accorded appropriate recognition by the Authorities.
According to the commissioner, the Wike-led administration is determined to ensure that the interest of Rivers people and their environment is protected, that it is in the interest of Rivers people that all forms of dredging activities are regulated in order to save the environment from destruction.
Also speaking, former National President of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Dr Cassa Wai Ogosu said regulatory agencies were not doing enough to check the activities of illegal dredgers and sand miners in the state.
Ogosu said time had come for the Ministry of Environment to be up and doing in their regulatory activities as for as dredging and waste management activities were concerned.
Also speaking, Vice President of Mining Association of Nigeria, Mr Enebeli Kennedy, decried the proliferation of illegal mining and dredging activities in the state.
Kennedy said the dredging and mining sector of the state had been hyjacked by illegal operators and pledged the support of the association towards flushing them out.
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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