Environment
Heavy Rainfall: RSG Tasks Residents On Environment
Following predictions of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) that Rivers State will this year witness unprecedented rainfall which will result in flooding and coastal erosion, the state government has called on residents to pay urgent attention to protecting the environment.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Rufus Godwin who made the call during this year’s World Environment Day celebration in Port Harcourt, said that to avert the imminent danger, residents of the state needed to embark on massive tree planting, desilt their drains that had been blocked by indiscriminate disposal of refuse and engage in other activities that would bring about cleaner, safer and healthier environment.
“There is going to be unprecedented rainfall that will carry with it the consequences of dustiness. We’re going to have rainstorm and windstorm and with it, you will have trees that will be violently uprooted. So you need to be very careful in your environment. Ensure that your trees are not too tall and poorly kept to constitute a risk of falling violently on passers by”, he said.
He enjoined members of the public to stop indiscriminate felling or trimming of trees but instead they should contact the Ministry of Environment to enlist the help of trained personnel.
The Permanent Secretary said the theme of this year’s World Environment Day Celebration “Forest; nature at your service”, should challenge everybody to be friendly to nature.
“The synergy, between plants and humans shows us the synergy of life. We all need to be together, one cannot exist without the other. And that is why the United Nations choose this year’s to challenge us to be friendly to nature, friendly to the trees”, he said.
In a goodwill message, the State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Andy Nweye appealed to local government chairmen in the state to tow the line of the Ministry of Environment and ensure that trees were planted in all the local government areas, adding that, that “is the only way we can help to reduce the issue of ozone layer depletion, climate change and all that”.
There were also good will messages from the Zonal Controller, Federal Ministry of Environment, Engr. Raymond Uzoho, Chairman, Rivers state Environmental Sanitation Authority, Mr. Isoboye Jack, the Executive Director, centre for Environmental and Community Development, Mr. John Akinnuba, and a representative of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Mr. Kingsley Nwogbid.
The highpoint of the event was the symbolic plantning of trees by the Permanent Secretary and some dignitaries.
Calista Ezeaku
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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