Environment
Stakeholders Task Govt On Art, Craft Sector Investment
Some top academicians from the Department of Fine Arts in some Nigerian universities and other stakeholders have said that investment in the art and craft sector will help the society to overcome the problem of plastic pollutions.
They made this known at an art exhibition titled: ‘Identity Polemic’ organised by Chairman, Rivers State Indigenous Fine Artists, Mr. Woko Aguru Joy in Port Harcourt.
Some of the scholars including Prof Frank Obioma and Dr. Francis E.K Francis told The Tide during the exhibition that artistic works are now reducing the number of plastic waste being thrown around by members of the society.
They noted that, aside from the use of plastic waste even log woods which some times constitute a big environmental problem are being utilised by fine artists for the production of art work.
Prof Frank Obioma said even the concept of waste to wealth is best promoted by Artists.
He said because of the process of recycling of the waste, people can now sell their waste to generate money.
Obioma said a policy to encourage this development should be put in place by relevant authorities.
He praised Woko for his consistency in the development of the sector, describing the exhibition as an impressive outing.
“One of the exhibitions that caught my attention was his first solo exhibition.
“He has been consistent in his desire to introduce a new thing. Fine object that he has been passionate about”, he said.
On his part, Dr. Francis E.K. Francis said the Rivers State Indigenous Fine Artists chairman has lent his voice to the Save the Planet Earth movement.
“His works speak volumes through the waste to wealth programme. He has put a voice to say save the planet, save the earth”.
Francis also said the exhibition is about visual and building a strong state on earth.
He however, said government alone cannot do everything as the challenge to curb environmental pollution lies with everyone.
For Prof Etido Effiong Williams, visual communication can contribute to a better society.
He said apart from the waste recycling process, the various works also speak loudly about the rot in the Nigerian society.
He said the neglect of the Art sector is not helping as far as the creation of employment was concerned, adding that the sector was capable of generating millions of jobs through waste recycling..
According to him, some African countries such as Senegal used their Art sector to attract millions of tourists every year.
He also called for the establishment of Art gallery in the state.
Speaking, Engr. Ozuruke Ake said Artists can also use tyes to beautify the cities.
He said government needs to talk to artists to do things right.
Speaking with The Tide, the exhibitioner, Mr. Aguru Woko Joy said the industry cannot do without synergy with professionals.
Aguru said with the recycling process, the artist is creating jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
He said artists in Rivers State need the right environment to perform.
“Government should come in. Government should create consciousness about works of Art. It can be used to reduce waste”.
Aguru also stressed the need for the government to set up a programme to empower the artists.
“If there is an Art carnival, it will bring people across the world.
Aguru said a lot of discussions are going to change the narrative about the work of the artists.
He said identity polemic was designed to create consciousness among Nigerians especially now that election is around the corner.
By: John Bibor & Orbim Ibama
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a seven-day flood advisory, warning of a medium flood risk in 17 states between July 21 and July 27.
The agency said the alert followed rising water levels at key river monitoring stations, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.
NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued on Tuesday.
He said the affected states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
According to Mohammed, river levels at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded watch and warning thresholds.
He said 16 gauging stations nationwide were recording elevated river stages, placing nearby communities at risk of localised flooding.
Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone communities to take precautionary measures immediately.
NIHSA said Bauchi had the highest exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets identified as vulnerable.
The agency also identified vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.
Mohammed urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans.
He recommended relocating residents, livestock and valuables from floodplains to safer locations
He also advised emergency agencies to pre-position food, medical supplies and water treatment materials in areas likely to be affected.
“The NIHSA boss called for community mobilisation through early warning volunteers and local communication channels to ensure timely dissemination of flood alerts.
He cautioned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterway.
A cleaner environment begins with collective responsibility. That commitment was evident across Umuahia on Saturday as thousands of residents turned out to participate in the July monthly environmental sanitation exercise, with officials describing the compliance level as one of the most encouraging in recent months.
The impressive turnout has renewed hope that Abia’s campaign for a cleaner and healthier environment is steadily becoming a culture rather than a routine exercise.
The July monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Umuahia recorded about 80% compliance.
The Abia State Ministry of Environment described the turnout as a strong indication that residents are embracing Governor Alex Otti’s vision for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment, while calling for the establishment of Neighbourhood Environmental Watch groups to sustain the momentum.
The Abia State Government has commended residents of Umuahia for their impressive participation in the July monthly environmental sanitation exercise, describing the turnout as a strong indication that citizens are embracing the state’s campaign for a cleaner and healthier environment.
Speaking after monitoring the exercise across major parts of the Umuahia metropolis, the Permanent Secretary, Abia State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ikechukwu Oriuwa, expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance and urged residents to sustain the momentum.
According to him, the success recorded during the exercise reflects growing public support for the environmental agenda of the Labour Party-led administration.
“I think, so far, so good. At this point, what we need to do is sustain the momentum. We should move forward with establishing a Neighbourhood Environmental Watch so that residents can monitor compliance and ensure the initiative is sustained,” he said.
Mr. Oriuwa further applauded both residents and the organisers for the success of the exercise.
“Well, I must say I am very impressed. I appreciate the organisers for putting this programme together. It has been highly impressive, and I believe participants have learnt a great deal. From what I have observed so far, everything has been well organised, and I think they are doing an excellent job. I encourage them to keep up the good work because programmes like this are beneficial to everyone,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that environmental sanitation should become a daily culture rather than an activity observed only on designated sanitation days.
Drawing from an Igbo proverb, he explained why communities must collectively protect their environment.
“An Igbo proverb says that a goat owned by the public often goes hungry. That is why establishing a Neighbourhood Environmental Watch is important. It will encourage residents to take collective responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and ensuring that sanitation efforts are sustained.”
He also urged government agencies to strengthen enforcement by deploying environmental health officers to carry out routine inspections and ensure compliance with sanitation laws.
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