Environment
Activist Decries Pollution Of N’Delta Environment
A minority rights activist in the Niger Delta region, Rev. Dr. Sokari Soberekon, has expressed displeasure at the impoverishment of the ecological lives of the oil producing communities by the operations of oil/gas companies in the area.
He maintained that the oil/gas exploration for over six decades has devastated the source of livelihood of the people in the Niger Delta and as such called for adequate compensation and economic reparations for the people of the area.
Soberekon, who said this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt also called for the immediate restructuring of the country into six autonomous political zones to correct the faulty federalism being practised in the country that ignited corruption that has brought so much suffering and hardship not only to the people of the Niger Delta but to majority of the people in the country.
It’s my firm belief that restructuring the country into six autonomous political zones will not only bring development and peace to the country but will always foster healthy competition among the zones that will solve the problems of unemployment, high crime rate, hunger, anger, agitation, underdevelopment, inequality and restiveness seen all over the country.
He said, “you can’t put a new wine into an old bottle for the new wine will remain old. Therefore, the country needs to be restructured before putting new structures in place otherwise every new structure put in place will be swallowed by the old one.”
“In the same way, whoever wins the presidential election will not perform to the satisfaction of the citizenry except he/she restructure the country into six autonomous political zones to foster economic growth and development and enable every zone to operate independently for the betterment of the whole country.”
The activist also urged the Federal Government to revisit abandoned projects in the country and revive them.
He said, the federal airport that was built by the then King Deite administration in Brass should be revived for the benefits of the people of the Niger Delta that had contributed so much for the development of the country at their detriment.
By: Adigun Oreoluwa
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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