Environment
HYPADEC To Address Ecological Problems In Catchment Areas
The Management of the Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) has pledged to address all ecological problems in the commission’s catchment areas.
Managing Director of the commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt at a five day retreat for the development of strategic plan for the commission.
Alhaji Sadiq said large number of communities within the commission’s catchment area are devastated by flooding occasioned by the sitting of the Hydro Power Dam in the area.
He said most of the communities are flooded as well as their farms and classrooms.
The HYPADEC MD also said the commission has conducted a need assessment in the various communities with the view to finding out their problems, stressing that the commission has already commenced the provision of water to over 150 communities.
He said WAEC and NECO form have also been purchased to school children.
Earlier in an address, the managing director said the commission which was established far back 2010 only become operational January this year.
“As you are aware, the Hydro electric power producing areas development commission was established by the federal government to address ecological challenges and promote socio economic development of communities affected by the operations of Hydro electric dams in the six states of Niger, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Benue and plateau.
“The commission though established as far back as 2010 could not become effective until January this year.
He said the challenges of the communities are enormous as it represents five decades of sacrifice in terms of means of livelihood, beautiful vegetation and cultural artifacts among other by the affected communities for the country to have electricity from operations of Hydro electric dams.
Sadiq said the enormity of the challenges facing the commission demands the management to commit itself and bring the necessary experience to bear in discharging its responsibilities as pioneer council and management in delivering on it mandate.
He said within the last one year, the commission has recorded feats that are gradually changing the narratives of the living conditions of communities in the HYPADEC states.
Declaring the event opened, chairman of the commission, Hon Barrister Joseph Tarfa Otyau said the retreat was to enable the management workout strategic programmes towards addressing the plights of the host communities.
He said with the caliber of staff at its disposal HYPADEC will surely succeed in its assignment.
It would be noted that HYPADEC, which is made up of six states which include Niger, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Benue and Plateau has its headquarters in Minna Niger State.
By: John Bibor
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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