Environment
Expert Lists Measures For Oil Spills Clean-up
President and Provost, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Prof Wole Soboyejo, on Tuesday warned against the use of chemicals in the planned clean-up of oil pollution in the Niger Delta region.
Soboyejo told The Tide in Abuja that it would be safer to use bacteria to clean up the oil spills rather than chemicals.
He said that the University in collaboration with other scientific organisations was working on the possibility of adopting the use of bacteria as a method for the clean-up exercise of the polluted Delta region.
A recent UNEP report on the Niger Delta pollution revealed that Nigeria would require one million dollars to clean-up the extent of contamination in the oil-rich region.
The report said that amount would be an initial payment for a sweeping environmental restoration of the Niger Delta and that the exercise could take 30 years.
Specifically, the polluted Ogoni land is characterised by creeks, swamps, waterways and huge reserves of oil which have enabled Nigeria to become the world’s 8th largest oil exporter.
However, decades of exploration by national and multi-national oil corporations had contaminated and destroyed the region’s land and fresh water resources, leaving the residents in abject poverty.
However, Soboyejo noted that if the ongoing research on the use of bacteria for the clean-up exercise of the region was carried out to a logical conclusion, it would serve the affected community better than the use of chemicals.
The university provost said that the use of bacteria would be a more natural source of clean up, noting that the use of chemicals could further contaminate the environment.
He said that the natural clean up method was devised by a student of the university some years ago after discovering that there was a problem in the oil rich areas with breaking down emulsions (oil-water mixtures).
Soboyejo said that the student developed a method that essentially manages emulsion problems for industries.
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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