Environment
Destroying Seized Oil Tankers Unacceptable Environmental Pollution – HoMEF
Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF ) has described as unacceptable the continous destruction of seized oil tankers by the Nigerian military.
The foundation said this in a press conference made available to news men in Port Harcourt.
It also described oil theft as an organised crime
“Oil theft in Nigeria, is an organised crime and a huge industry with local and international collaborators involved in the illegal deal.
“It has historical roots which has taken different dimensions and is manifesting in several forms, some of which had been covered until recently.
With the recent destruction of a vessel containing stolen crude oil, it is rather shocking to note that the continuous cry of pollution made by Nigerians have evaded the attention of the leadership of the Joint Task Force of the Nigerian Military and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited”.
“In a statement by Nigerian National Petroleum Company spokesman, Garba Muhammad, “further investigation into the activities of the vessel revealed that the vessel has been operating in stealth mode for the last 12 years with the last reported location of the Vessel being in Tin Can Port in July 2011.
“It was reported that there was no valid documentation for the vessel or the crude oil cargo on-board at the time of the arrest.
“Just recently, the tanker, identified as the Tura II (ex-name Ali Riza Bey, IMO 6620462), was captured in an offshore location with stolen crude oil and after the vessel was seized and the crew detained, the vessel was destroyed by a Nigerian military helicopter.
The release signed by KOMO news the organization Director of press said “Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has raised concerns over the disregard for the environment and human lives considering the manner the vessel was destroyed with no attempt to comply with international best practice.
It added that the e incident also confirmed the fact that Nigeria does not know the amount of crude oil that leaves the shores of the country on a daily basis.
“After setting the rogue vessel ablaze, the Joint Task Force stated that the destruction of the vessel would send a warning signal to those involved in oil theft and incentivise them to desist from it.
“HOMEF believes the significance of the bombing of the vessel is the indication to the people that authorities care little about their safety and that of the environment”.
The release noted that the Executive Director of HOMEF, Nnimmo Bassey, in his reaction to the incident noted that while the Niger Delta burns on account of gas flaring, oil spills and other forms of pollution, the burning of seized oil vessel is adding insult to injury.
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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