Environmentalists call for deliberate efforts in tackling air pollution in the Niger Delta region
Desire Lordson
On the occasion of Clean Air for blue skies, CAB day, celebrated annually on 7 September to raise awareness and understanding of air pollution issues, some Environmentalists in Rivers State have called for deliberate efforts in tackling air pollution.
The Director, Forestry, Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Nkemdirim Odoya, in her reaction to the observance, called for environment friendly action from everyone, to ensure clean air.
“Renewable energy, instead of these petrol generators, we can talk of sola system to reduce air pollution”.
Another Environmentalist, who is also a Director of an NGO, Kebetkache women Development and Resource Centre, Dr. Emem Okon, said the Government should take steps that will address air pollution in the Niger Delta region of the Country.
“Clean Air for Blue Skies, it makes you reflect on gas flares in the Niger Delta, it strengthens campaign against air pollution, what is Government doing? We are talking also about SDGs … We are part of that campaign … “.
Leader of Abua/Odual Women Development Association, Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Rivers State, Eloimiete Nege, also decried the hardship that air pollution has caused rural dwellers and their sources of livelihood.
“Oil extraction should be stopped in our area, the gas flaring, air pollution, the oil spill and our economy is so bad”.
This year’s theme for International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, “Invest in Clean Air now”; emphasizes the urgent need for stronger partnership, increased investment and shared responsibility, to combat air pollution.
