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Support Mechanism In Atmospheric Crisis – Don
Individuals, society and government at all levels have been charged to support mechanism in atmospheric crisis.
Speaking during the Rivers State University’s 94th inaugural lecture titled: Decoupling Spatial Decision Support Mechanism In Atmospheric Crisis, the inaugural lecturer, a Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof Precious Nwobidi Ede stated that man-made atmospheric crisis is a product of modern lifestyle and development, charging all stakeholders to encourage clean environment that is free of dangerous air emissions.
Ede made some recommendations on what individuals, government and society can do to reverse the negative trends, which are listed below:
“As an individual, conserve energy at home, at work, everywhere. Look for the energy star label when buying home or office equipment.
“Carpool, use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible. Follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapour recovery, being careful not to spill fuel and always tightening your gas cap securely.
Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible. Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste. Consider using gas logs instead of woods,’ Ede added.
The Professor stressed that some of the below steps should be taken on days when high Ozone levels are expected.
“Choose a cleaner commute – share a ride to work or use public transportation. Combine errands and reduce trip. Walk to errands when possible. Avoid excessive idling of your automobile. Refuel your car in the evening when it is cooler. Conserve electricity and set air conditioners no lower than 78 degrees.”
He emphasised that on days when high particle levels are expected the following extra steps should be taken.
“Reduce the number of tips you take in your car. Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use. Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials. Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
Ede revealed the following below as what Nigeria can do to beat Air pollution.
“Fuel subsidy as practised in Nigeria is not only a drain on the economy, but as well distorts the urgently needed energy mix for the country. Nigeria ought to show leadership on issues of air pollution since so many of its citizens die from it.
“A national emissions inventory database and directory should be published. National and regional air quality targets should be instituted with firm Commitments to limits, targets abs strategy.
“There are no statistics on emissions, air quality trend and related indicators; if you want to know about the impact of air pollution in Nigeria approach WHO and its database. No clear-cut vehicle emission standards, maximum allowable Sulphur content in fuel in Nigeria,” the Prof stressed.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, RSU, Prof Nlerum Okogbule had stated that Inaugural lectures expose the academia to focus on issues as well as proffer solutions.
Okogbule added that the guest inaugural lecturer will tell all what he has been professing as a professor all these years, charging all to listen and learn new ways on how air pollution can be avoided by individuals, companies, among others.
By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.