Environment
Group Laments Impact Of Oil Spills In Bayelsa Community
The Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has called on Nigerian Agip Oil Company [NAOC] to replace the Riser 15a section of the 21’’ pipeline in Ogoda/Brass, that continues to pollute Fantuo/Egenkiri and neighboring communities with repeated oil spills since 2019.
The Tide source confirmed that the most recent oil spill occurred on 2nd of July, 2023
ERA/FoEN made the call following a Save Our Souls from the people of Fantuo about a serious oil spill at an Agip pipeline located at Egenkiri, near Fantuo.
Accompanied by the Community Development Chairman (CDC) of Fantuo community, ERA/ FoEN and a team of media representatives who visited the site of the oil spill at the Egenkiri 3 and 4 fishing settlements where Agip’s Riser 15a is situated in the middle of a creek, which appeared to be the company’s Right Of Way [ROW], in Fantuo territory.
Egenkiri 3 and 4 are two fishing settlements situated within the same environment separated by the creek and the oil facility is located in the middle.
These two fishing camps The Tide learnt have an estimated population of 150 persons. Fisher folks in the camps are not only from the Nembe [Ijaw] ethnic group, but other Ijaws from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Ogoni in Rivers State and some from Akwa Ibom State.
The incessant oil spills around the area have disrupted fishing activities around the fishing camps, depriving the people of their source of livelihood, coupled with the health and environmental consequences of such repeated spills, endangering the existence of the fisher folks.
Speaking on the incident, Youth President of the fishing settlement, Godman Inimi lamented over the unending suffering that the people of Egenkiri have suffered due to the numerous oil spillages around the area.
”The oil has polluted the rivers and made fishing less productive. Due to the prevailing situation we hardly make ends meet and hence Agip should come to our aid by giving us relief materials and compensate us [for losses]. We can’t even sleep well at night when the wind brings the pungent smell of the crude oil. It is very disturbing, health wise’’.
Also speaking on the issue, a resident of the community, Barida Nimbofa [an Ogoni lady] while responding to questions on the incident said the people are having severe health challenges due to the chemical particles in the waters and air space of the community.
“I am staying here at the Pipeline 3 fishing camp. This crude oil spill, its odour is worrying us. The spill has destroyed our fishing materials; our nets. We see dead fishes floating as a result of the crude oil and, this has chased away fish from the environment.
“Our fishing activities are now very unproductive. So it is difficult to survive”, she said.
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.
-
Sports4 days agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Sports4 days agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
Sports4 days agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports4 days ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
Sports4 days agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali
-
Sports4 days agoRemo, Ikorodu set for NPFL hearing, Today
-
Sports4 days agoPolice Games: LOC inspects facilities in Asaba
-
Niger Delta4 days agoINC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form