Environment
Group Wants Change Of Biodiversity Conservation Perception
An environmental protection group, Bridge-That-Gap Initiative, is seeking a change in Nigerians’ perception of environmental and biodiversity conservation.
The group’s Founder, Ms Gloria Bulus, said on Thursday that many Nigerians had yet to show interest in the conservation due to poor understanding of consequences of plant and animal extinction.
Bulus spoke with newsmen in Lagos.
She said that much awareness creation would be needed for the change of perception.
She said the group would sensitise Nigerians to the importance of environment and biodiversity conservation as part of its activities to mark the 2019 Earth Day.
“We want to create awareness on the increasing rate of extinction of some plants and animals in the country, so that people will know the consequences.
“We also want to play our role in influencing how biodiversity preservation and animal/plant protection is perceived in the country.
“We want Nigerians to understand how climate change affects these species going into extinction; we want Nigerians to understand the essence of animal and plants protection.
“We are also looking for avenues where we can get every Nigerian involved in biodiversity conservation and environmental protection,” she said.
Bulus said that it was important for more Nigerians to show interest in environmental protection.
“More Nigerians need to get involved. We will like to look at how we can influence environmental policies in Kaduna and the nation as a whole,” she told NAN.
Bulus said it was necessary for Nigerians to imbibe the culture of environmental and biodiversity protection in the nations’ benefit.
“We want to change the perception of people and organisation on anti-biodiversity conservation practices because we believe that human activities have led to some of these extinctions.
“Our intention is to build a culture for biodiversity conservation among Nigerians by establishing conservation clubs in and around Kaduna before we move to other parts of the country.
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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