From INIOBONG Sunday
In commemoration of the World Earth Day, WED, a coalition of non-governmental organisations has appealed to the federal government and other subnational authorities and agencies to urgently intervene in the plight of residents of oil communities in the Niger Delta region.
The Network Advancement Programme for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction, NAPPDRR, working in alliance with Global Greengrants Fund, GGF, and other agencies have launched a multi million naira energy transition project aimed at reducing the effects of gas flaring and fossil fuels emissions in the oil belt of Akwa Ibom State.
Its Executive Director, Enem Edoho made the appeal during an advocacy visit to the paramount ruler of Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Edidem ECD Abia, and other traditional rulers.
Edoho noted that the devastating impact of oil spills, wanton gas flaring by oil firms and carbon pollution had placed residents under danger of extinction if urgent remediation efforts are not in place to stem the scourge.
Urging the monarch and relevant agencies to be in the vanguard of the sustainable action to rescue the environment from being overwhelmed by deadly pollutants, Edoho maintained that such intervention would go a long way in safeguarding humanity, environment and the aquatic ecosystem from looming devastation.
“As we celebrate the beauty and bounty of our planet, we also acknowledge the pressing environmental challenges that we face.
“NAPPDRR’s Green the Future project, supported by Global Greengrants Fund, aims to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation. We believe that women’s empowerment and participation are crucial in driving these efforts.
“Today, we seek your advocacy and support in promoting sustainable practices in our communities. Your leadership can inspire women and girls to adopt eco-friendly habits, protect natural resources and mitigate climate change impact,” he told the monarch
Responding, Abia, who was represented by his wife, Obonganwan Mandu Abia, commended the NGO for working collaboratively with other friends of the earth to save the environment and humanity from pollution and other green house emissions.
He lamented that pest investations on crops had contributed immensely to acute agricultural underdevelopment, scarcity of food and farm produce, thereby exacerbating the prevailing hunger in the country and called for a holistic action plan by government at all levels and stakeholders to save the situation.
