Environment

Echoes Of Air Pollution At World Environment Day

Published

7 years ago

June 17, 2019

Beat Air Pollution” “Take Action” was the Theme and sub theme of the just concluded world environment Day Celebration across the World.
Although the celebration has come and gone, the message has underscored the need for policy makers across the world to take action against acts that continuously pollute the air.
A statement on the website of the United Nations described the annual celebration as a way of encouraging worldwide awareness and action with a view to protecting our environment.
The World Environment Day is celebrated 5th of June every year, across the world.
The event was first celebrated in 1974. This year’s edition was hosted by China.
Rivers State Government was not left out in the celebration as the occasion coincided with the inauguration of a technical committee to address the problem of soot, a black substance that has polluted the State air wave for a long time.
In the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Environment, Dr. Emmanuel Urang had in a broadcast on the occasion of the World Environment Day celebration, drew the attention of the world to the associated illnesses of air pollution.
According to the Permanent Secretary, air pollution is associated with a broad spectrum of acute chronic illnesses such as lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) and cardiovascular diseases.
“As urban air quantity declines, the risk of stroke, heart diseases, lung cancer, and chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma, increases for the people who live there”.
Urang, however, said that with the inauguration of the technical committee, by the State Governor Nyesom Wike, the final stage has now been set to promote a green economy in a healthy and sustainable environment.
The Rivers State Government was not alone in the celebration of the World Environment Day: a number of Civil Society Organisations in the State actively participated in this year’s celebration.
The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) in a statement by its President, Legborsi Pyagbara, urged for action to check the rising level of air pollution, especially in the Niger Delta.
The MOSOP President stressed the need for government to match its words with action by arresting all incidences of air pollution in the country.
Similarly, the Coordinator of Stop the Soot Campaign, Dr. Eugene Abel, also led some groups to plant trees along the Elelenwo/Akpajo road.
Also as part of effort to instill the culture of cleanliness and to keep the air free from pollution, the African Global Development for Positive Change Initiative (ADI) also organised A Clean Environment Campaign at the Rumuokoro main market to instill the virtue of cleanliness among the traders in the market.
ADI was joined in the campaign by another non governmental organisation, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Initiative in the Clean Environment Campaign at the Rumuokoro main market.
Speaking in an interview with The Tide, the African Regional Director of African Global Development for Positive Change Initiative (ADI), Prince Dan Mbachi described “Beat Air Pollution” the theme of the celebration as significant especially in the Niger Delta region where the incidences of Air Pollution are common.
Mbachi said that the presence of the Petroleum industry in the Niger Delta has made survival difficult for the inhabitants of the region as their air, water and land sources have been polluted.
He also said that the Proliferation of illegal oil bunkering in the region has increased the level of pollution of the Niger Delta’s environment.
The activist stressed the need for the United Nation’s and African Union (AU) to set up committees on climate change in the Niger Delta.
Mbachi also called for the speedy cleanup of the Ogoni environment and commended the Rivers State Government for inaugurating a technical committee to find solution to the soot.
Also speaking, Madam Loretta Ahuokpeme of our lady of Perpetual Help Initiative said that a clean environment will make the air clean and free of pollution.
Ahuokpeme stressed the need for both Rivers and Niger Delta people to use the opportunity provided by this year’s World Environment Day celebration by keeping their environment clean at all times.
According to her, the celebration has provided the opportunity for her organisation to demonstrate how people can be involved in keeping their environment clean.
The activist also stressed the need for a policy against plastic production while proper waste disposal habit should be cultivated and described sanitation as key to a cleaner air.
Also speaking, with The Tide, Mrs. Helen Ohaka of the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, stressed the need for a tougher action against illegal oil bunkering and bush burning.
She said that the Rivers State Ministry of Environment will continue to support every action that will promote clean environment in the State.
Other respondent also called for stiffer penalties against persons and corporate organizations involved in activities that cause air pollution.
Rivers State is having its fair share of air pollution in the country. The appearance of the soot three years ago was indication of the level of damages which the hydrocarbon industry has done to the state.

Environment

AEPB Reaffirms Commitment To Improved Waste Management, Sanitation Standards

Published

4 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by improving waste management infrastructure, and enforcing public health sanitation standards in the territory.

The Director of AEPB, Mrs Kate Ogbonna, said this at the 2026 FCT World Environment Day Commemoration Symposium on Friday in Abuja.

“As the custodian of the FCT environment, AEPB remains committed to promoting environmental sustainability through effective environmental monitoring, pollution control and waste management amongst others.

“Today, we join millions of people across the globe in commemorating World Environment Day, the United Nations’ foremost platform for promoting environmental awareness and action.

“The theme for this year’s commemoration: Climate Change and Urbanisation – Building Resilient Cities,” is particularly relevant to our rapidly changing world,” Ogbonna said.

She said that while cities remained centres of economic growth, innovation, and human development, they are also increasingly exposed to climate-related challenges such as flooding, pollution and environmental amongst others.

“We engaged 54 waste management service contractors to further strengthened environmental sanitation across the city.

“Ongoing infrastructural development in satellite towns and sub-urban communities is improving connectivity and reducing development pressure on the city centre,” the AEPB director said.

She explained that these interventions aligns closely with the objectives of 2026 theme and demonstrates practical steps towards building resilient and sustainable cities.

She stated that the participation of schools in this annual commemoration remained a vital component of the environmental education efforts.

“By engaging young people in environmental conversations and activities, we are helping to nurture a generation that is better equipped to champion sustainable development and environmental stewardship,” Ogbonna said.

Also speaking, Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, said that climate change was no longer a distant concern and noted that Abuja, as Nigeria’s capital, was not insulated from its realities.

“World Environment Day provides an important opportunity for governments, institutions, communities, and citizens to reflect on environmental challenges and recommit themselves to sustainable solutions that will safeguard our common future.

“While urbanisation has brought significant economic opportunities, technological advancement, and improved access to services, it has also placed unprecedented pressure on natural resources, infrastructure, and the environment.

“Across the world, cities are experiencing rising temperatures, more frequent flooding, extreme weather events, declining biodiversity, and growing pressure on public infrastructure.

Obuah stated that these impacts threaten livelihoods, public health, economic productivity, and overall quality of life.

“The rapid expansion of residential communities, commercial activities, transportation networks, and supporting infrastructure has increased the demand for land, water, energy, and environmental services.

“At the same time, changing weather patterns have heightened concerns relating to flooding, erosion, and pressure on drainage infrastructure, while rapid urban growth continues to place additional demands on waste management systems and green spaces.

“The choices we make today in urban planning, environmental management, and climate adaptation will not only shape the future of the FCT but can also serve as a model for other cities across the country.”

He urged residents to build cities that are not only economically vibrant and socially inclusive but also environmentally sustainable and resilient to climate-related shocks.

“Resilient cities are cities that can anticipate risks, withstand disruptions, adapt to changing conditions, and recover quickly while maintaining essential services and protecting their citizens.

“The FCT Administration under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, remains committed to creating a modern, functional, and environmentally sustainable capital city.

“Through strategic investments in infrastructure, environmental sanitation, urban planning, drainage improvement, landscape enhancement, and regulatory enforcement, the Administration continues to strengthen Abuja’s capacity to respond to emerging environmental challenges.”

The coordinator assured that AMMC is working through its departments and agencies, AEPB to implement programmes aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life of residents.

He urged the media to educate and mobilise the public adding that communities and residents must adopt environmentally responsible behaviours and actively participate in protecting their surroundings.

“As we deliberate during this symposium, I encourage all participants to engage constructively, share innovative ideas, and explore practical pathways for strengthening climate resilience within the FCT.

“Let this symposium serve as a catalyst for practical actions, stronger partnerships, and innovative solutions towards building a more resilient FCT.

“Together, we can build an Abuja that remains a model capital city for Nigeria, Africa, and the world; a city that balances development with environmental responsibility and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations,”Obuah said.

In a message to the symposium, Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, said climate change has brought great harm to the ecosystem.

Guterres who was represented by Mrs Bolanle Elumekor, a Management Assistant at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Lagos, said that it was pertinent to fulfill climate financing promises to the developing countries.

Environment

Group Marks World Environment Day with Tree Planting, Awareness Campaigns

Published

4 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

Green Planters and Trimmers Union together with students from various secondary schools in Bonny, Rivers State commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day with a call for environmental protection and sustainable living.

The event, held over the weekend at the Auditorium of the Bonny Youth Federation (BYF), featured participation from Bonny National Grammar School (BNGS), Universal Basic Education (UBE), Heaven on Earth Academy, Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), and Finima Bonny Senior Secondary School.

National President, Green Planters and Trimmers Union, Henry Jumbo

Activities at the celebration included an interactive session with students, moderated by the Chairman of the Union, symbolic tree planting by participating schools alongside the union’s executive members, and group photographs with school delegations.

In his keynote address, founder and National President of the Green Planters and Trimmers Union, Henry Jumbo, emphasised the significance of green environments to human survival and development.

He noted that World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5, adding that the union, established in 2020, remains committed to promoting environmental sustainability through awareness and action.

Jumbo stressed that “wherever you see green, it is bounded to fruitfulness,” highlighting the connection between nature and human well-being. He described green plants as vital sources of oxygen, food, and economic resources, while also playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

He however warned against the dangers of deforestation, stating that the indiscriminate cutting down of trees leads to erosion, flooding, landslides, loss of animal habitats, air pollution, and a decline in air quality.

According to him, the depletion of forests also contributes to economic hardship and loss of livelihoods, particularly for communities that depend on natural resources.

The environmental advocate further explained that trees help regulate water flow and prevent natural disasters, noting that the absence of forests increases the risk of flooding, especially in riverine areas like Bonny.

Jumbo urged students and residents to embrace nature and take deliberate steps to protect the environment, including planting trees and maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.

The event underscored the importance of grassroots sensitisation, with the union encouraging young people to become active participants in environmental conservation.

The Green Planters and Trimmers Union adopted the slogan “Evergreen! Ever Fruitful!!” as a reminder of the continuous need to preserve and sustain the environment for future generations.

Environment

Climate Change Group Charged To Plate Trees

Published

4 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

World Environment Day, a group, Journalists For Sustainable Development Initiative (JSDI) has called on all and sundry to imbibe the habit of planting trees to combat the effect of climate change on the environment.

?Executive Director of of the Group, Dr. Parry Saroh Benson gave the charge while adressing journalists on the sideline of a symposium to mark the day, organised in partnership with the Federal University of Environment Technology, Ogoni and the Centre for Climate Change and Forest Resources, Rivers State University, in Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

?He said the impact of climate change is now glaring, hence the need for everyone to double efforts in ensuring trees are planted on a daily basis.

?”Every man should learn to plant a tree. Planting trees is an exercise that should be done on daily basis because we all are now experiencing the impact of climate change. It has come to stay.

?”Everybody is complaining there is heat, there is so much sun. In fact, since January up until now, we do not know when it’s rainy season and when it’s dry season here in Rivers state like we used to experience. This is because of climate change, ” he said.

?Benson appealed to people of Rivers State and South South Region in particular who suffer much from air pollution due to exploration activities to plant trees around their environments.

?He noted that tree planting would enable the region have clean air to breathe.

?”We are appealing to everyone here in the South-South; plant a tree every day because tree planting will enable us have clean air. Trees around bring about clean air, ” he appealed.

?The climate ambassador further urged residents of the region to take activities around their environment seriously saying that whatever affects the environment, affects everyone.

?”Our message is that we must plant trees, and everyone should be concerned about his environment. This is not the time to act like “I don’t care”, “I don’t know what is happening”. No. We all must know what is happening in our environment because climate change has come to stay, ” he maintain.