Environment
NGO Tasks FG On Climate Change
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Centre for 21st Century Issues, has advised the Federal Government to provide a conducive atmosphere for NGOs to actively participate in combating climate change.
The Executive Director of the NGO,Mrs Titilope Akosa, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos recently.
According to her, there is need for environmental stakeholders to collaborate toward mitigating the effects of climate change.
“We, at the Centre for 21st Century Issues, are involved in producing bio-gas from fruit wastes into solar electrification and distribution of wonder bags for cooking.
“Through these projects, we have been able to empower people by providing them with cost efficient energy,’’ she said.
The wonder bag is a standalone and non-electric insulated bag designed to reduce the amount of fuel required in the cooking of food.
Instead of being placed on a stove for the duration of the cooking period, food is instead heated to a required hot temperature and then transferred to the wonder bag.
The wonder bag uses the principle of thermal insulation to continue cooking, keeping the food warm without additional fire.
Akosa said that the NGO in conjunction with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has also produced a bio-gas plant at Ikosi Market, Ketu.
She explained that fruit wastes could be used to power the plant, producing between 4,000 cubic metres and 5,000 cubic metres renewable natural gas per day.
Akosa further said that the NGO’s solar electrification project was aimed at removing energy poverty in communities.
She said that the project had been helping artisans and those charging cell phones in commercial quantity.
The director explained that the NGO was also involved in the distribution of the wonder bags to women.
She said that the idea was to empower women and discourage them from cooking with firewood which releases carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.
The director said that preserving woods in forests was vital in ensuring absorption of emissions from the atmosphere.
She said NGOs face the challenges of sustaining their various renewable energy projects due to lack of conducive atmosphere that would make their work thrive.
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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