Environment
Open defecation: UNILORIN don urges resuscitation of FEPA
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The three tiers of government in Nigeria, in conjunction with the Managements of Higher Institutions, have been called upon to create a clean, hygienic environment with zero tolerance for open defecation in order to promote public health.
Professor Adenike Modinah Olatayo AbdulRaheem, a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), made the call while delivering the 262nd Inaugural Lecture of the institution, titled “The Sojourn of a Physical Environmental Chemist Exploring Environmental Impact in the Life of Man”.
While commending the activities of the States’ Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) and urging their sustenance, the Inaugural Lecturer charged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, resuscitate the defunct Federal EPA, noting that the baseline for primary and secondary pollutants is a national data that cannot be limited to States.
She said: “Government should provide adequate funding and state-of-the-art equipment necessary for a groundbreaking research in physical environmental chemistry to all higher institutions to facilitate infrastructure upgrade, regular monitoring, and pollution control measures.
“Air is trans boundary, so any mishandling of gaseous effluents by industries can become a national or international problem. I call on Government at all levels to make their EPA to be functional and effective to aid to aid collaboration between government agencies, local communities and environmental agencies for more innovative and sustainable solutions to soil, water and air pollution “
To achieve a rewarding, peaceful, clean and buoyant economy, Prof. AbdulRaheem stressed the need for government at all levels to institutionalise a punishment and rewarding system to assist the internal mechanism control for cleanliness of man’s environment, promotion of transparent and honesty in all facets of the government parastatals, including the higher education sector.
She added: “Government should note that it is critical to implement environmental management policies to mitigate the risks posed by heavy metal contamination in soil near dump sites, water and air for maintaining soil, water, ambient air quality and safeguarding public health.
“Government should establish state-of-the-art research centres in physical environmental sciences across geo-political zones with robust funding and comprehensive scientists training.”
She also admonished collaboration between industries and Chemistry Departments in Higher Institutions to develop biodegradable plastics from renewable sources to address plastic waste and protect marine ecosystems, implement comprehensive pollution control with accessible waste bins and strict regulations, with a view to enhancing University reputation and spurring economic growth.
The Lagos State Police Command on Saturday confirmed the death of a 20-year-old female staff and injuries to 13 others following a gas explosion at a fast food restaurant in the Ajah area of the state.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on July 19, at No. 5 Spring Garden Estate, Orchid Road, Ajah.
According to a police sources, the restaurant, owned by one Uchechukwu Godwill Villason, was gutted by fire caused by a suspected gas leak, leading to a massive explosion and subsequent inferno.
A police source at the Lagos State Command said: “Thirteen staff members sustained varying degrees of burns during the incident and were immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Gbagada, for medical treatment.”
Tragically, one of the victims, identified as Kingsley Promise, a 20-year-old female and native of Akwa Ibom State, succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment.
Police detectives from the division visited the scene for documentation and evidence collection. The affected hospital was also visited, where the deceased’s body and the condition of the injured victims were assessed.
The remains of the deceased have been evacuated to the Mainland General Hospital morgue, Yaba, for autopsy, while investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.
The command advised business owners handling gas-powered appliances to ensure regular maintenance and safety checks to avert similar tragedies.
By: Ali Musa Biu
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, received former President Muhammadu Buhari who was in the state to commiserate with the people and government over the 10th of September flood disaster.
Parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and its surrounding local government areas were struck by a devastating flood that claimed several lives and destroyed many properties.
President Buhari who was out of the country when the flood disaster occurred earlier sent a high powered delegation to commiserate with the government and made a N20m donation to the state relief fund.
Making his remarks during the visit, Buhari said, “When this disaster happened, having been governor in Borno during my military career, I could hardly imagine such disaster. I was out of the country, all I could do was to send people to come and sympathise with you.”
In their separate remarks, Governor Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi, expressed gratitude to the former President for the visit.
The former president was accompanied by the ex-Secretary to the federal government, Boss Mustapha, Engr. Sulaiman Adamu, Sen. Hadi Sirika, Prof. Isa Pantami, Engr. Aliyu Mamman, Garba Shehu, Emeka Nwajiuba, Musa Haro Danmadami among other associates.
By: Ali Musa Biu
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, received former President Muhammadu Buhari who was in the state to commiserate with the people and government over the 10th of September flood disaster.
Parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and its surrounding local government areas were struck by a devastating flood that claimed several lives and destroyed many properties.
President Buhari who was out of the country when the flood disaster occurred earlier sent a high powered delegation to commiserate with the government and made a N20m donation to the state relief fund.
Making his remarks during the visit, Buhari said, “When this disaster happened, having been governor in Borno during my military career, I could hardly imagine such disaster. I was out of the country, all I could do was to send people to come and sympathise with you.”
In their separate remarks, Governor Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi, expressed gratitude to the former President for the visit.
The former president was accompanied by the ex-Secretary to the federal government, Boss Mustapha, Engr. Sulaiman Adamu, Sen. Hadi Sirika, Prof. Isa Pantami, Engr. Aliyu Mamman, Garba Shehu, Emeka Nwajiuba, Musa Haro Danmadami among other associates.
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