Environment
Association Explains Early Rainfall Forecast
The Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET) has said that the early Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) for 2013 is aimed at ensuring adequate preparation against hazards associated with climate extremes.
NIMET’s Coordinator in Akwa Ibom, Mr Ime Akpan, said this during a two-day workshop organised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for media organisations in South-South in Uyo recently.
The Tide reports that the workshop, with the theme “The Role of the Media in Emergency Management” is aimed at educating the journalists on how best to report disaster.
Akpan said that early forecast was necessary in view of the damage caused by the 2012 flooding in many parts of the country.
“It is important to note that NIMET and SRP provides essential weather advisory and early warning to operators in the various rainfall-sensitive socio-economic sectors.
“NIMET presents the SRP early in the year so as to get adequate preparation against risks associated with the weather.
“It is expected that the early presentation will enable decision-makers and operators in the various sectors to use the information in the SRP to optimise productive activities in their respective operations.”
Akpan recalled that NIMET also predicted that the length of the rainy season would be normal in most parts of the north and south.
“There will be longer than normal length of the season in most parts of the central part of the country and over parts of Yobe, northern Cross River and parts of the South West states.’’
He called for the support of journalist to ensure that the people were adequately informed on the rainfall pattern in 2013.
One of the journalists, Mr Denis Nwachukwu, gave the assurance that the media would continue to support any effort to mitigate disaster in the country.
Another journalist, Mrs Iniobong Edet, said that sustainable development of journalists was needed to enable them to discharge their duties effectively.
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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