All Posts in "Environment"

Senate Orders  NEMA To  Supply  Relief Materials To Benue Communities 

Senate wants NEMA to provide urgent relief to Benue windstorm victims - P.M. News
The Senate has mandated the National Emergency management Agency (NEMA) to send relief materials to persons and communities affected by heavy rainstorm in Benue State.
The lawmakers also urged the Cederal government to mobilize relief materials and rehabilitation materials to communities of Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue affected by windstorm.
They  urged relevant government agencies to quickly support the rebuilding of the affected communities including Ogbadibo Local Government Area which was also affected by the storm.
The positions  were sequel to a motion by Sen. Abba Moro (PDP-Benue) during plenary on “Urgent Need to mitigate the effect of Windstorm on Communities of Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue”.
Senator Moro,who sponsored the motion, Senator Moro recalled that on April 8, over ten communities in Ogbadibo and Okpokwu Local Government Areas of Benue South Senatorial District were badly hit by a natural disaster.
Moro said :“The said windstorm brought down all the blocks of classrooms of the LGEA primary school, Epeilo, the roofs of LGEA primary school Obu 1, three church Buildings and all the blocks of classrooms of LGEA primary school Odoba-Ehaje.
Senator Michael Nnachi (PDP-Ebonyi) supported the motion calling for relief materials to to be sent urgently to the affected communities.
The resolutions were unanimously adopted by all senators following a voice vote by the President of the Senate.
Online Editor by — April 15, 2021 in Environment 0
 Lagos To Experience Rainfall For Over  230 Days This Year

The Lagos State Ministry Of Environment And Water Resources has announced that the metropolis  will  experience a rainy season of 238-261days for the year 2021.
Tunji Bello,the state’s Commissioner For Environment And Water Resources, disclosed this during the 2021 seasonal climate prediction .
He advised residents of the state to desist from dumping refuse into the drainage channel and those leaving in the flood-prone areas are also advised to relocate.
He said Lagos Island is expected to have a rainfall onset date of April 6th which has already taken place, while its cessation date is expected to be the 30th of November.
According to him,the  area is expected to have about 238 days of rainfall over the year,adding that Ikeja is also expected to experience about 261 days of rainfall and a total amount of 1392mm as specifically highlighted by the Nigerian Metrological Agency, NIMET.
Mister Bello says the emergency flood abatement gang has been consistently desilting and working on various linkages, like the secondary and primary channels to enable them to discharge efficiently and act as retention basins.
He revealed that the Lagos State Signage And Advertisement Agency, LASAA has been put on alert to ensure advertising and communication agencies comply with regulations on the safety of billboards and telecommunication masts to forestall collapse of telecommunication masts in the state.
He advised Lagosians  to report cases of drainage blockage, dumping of waste into canals and other unauthorized places to our resident engineers, and zero tolerance offices in all the local governments and local council development areas in the state
Online Editor by — April 15, 2021 in Environment 0

Group raises alarm over water shortage, calls for declaration of emergency - Vanguard News
The Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP) otherwise known as Nigerian Borehole Drillers Association has alerted the government of water scarcity and possible health dangers occasioned by current economic hardship in the country.
The President of the association, Engr. Michael Ale,who  spoke at a press conference on Wednesday, warned of looming dangers of exposing vulnerable citizens to health risks of consuming unclean water.
Ale maintained that Abuja, Taraba, imo, Bauchi and others are states where scarcity of water is endemic,adding that the development  was due  to high cost of drilling which mounts pressure on government to provide potable water for its citizens.
He  said the situation has given rise to individuals and corporate organizations to patronize unprofessional drillers which degenerates to haphazard drillings while many operators engage in dubious acts.
He  tasked the government to take drastic action to address the anomalies before it gets out of hands.
He said: “Water scarcity is hitting many states now and the cost of drilling is getting high because of the exchange rate and the materials for borehole drilling for example, casings. Invariably, the cost of drilling is high which is mounting more pressure on government to provide water.
“This scenario is making the vulnerable more exposed to health risk which will in turn make government spend more on health.
“My advise to the state where such instance is precarious is to have a Water Supply resilient plan where emergency response is prompt. It is important to also note that government have responsibility to make water available to the citizen that is, access to potable water at different cost human and financial as the case may inferred.
“States battling with water scarcity include Abuja, Taraba, imo, Bauchi, others and my call to development partners is to make a conceited effort in making sure the result  for the program they are supporting is sustainable.
Online Editor by — April 8, 2021 in Environment 0
 African Coys Shift Goal Post On Zero Carbon  Emission -Report

Why African Coys Shift Goal Post On Zero Carbon Emission – INL Blog
Over half of African companies are delaying their energy transition targets, leaving them in danger of missing the Paris Agreement target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, new research from Standard Chartered has revealed.
Zeronomics, a study into the financing of a net zero world, surveyed the senior leadership of 250 large companies and 100 investment specialists around the world between September and October 2020 and found that 55 percent of Africa-based business leaders believe their companies are not transitioning fast enough .
It also said lack of access to finance is the biggest barrier to progress for African companies, adding that  35 per cent of African companies fully support the aims of the Paris Agreement (47 per cent globally)
According to the  research, many companies based in Africa are looking to delay significant action to after 2030, with the 2020s looking set to be a lost decade.
It added that some 32 per cent of business leaders (34 per cent globally) said their companies will make the most progress between 2030 and 2040, while a further 40 per cent (37 per cent globally) said they will take most action between 2040 and 2050.
It said:’’Most companies are delaying transition because they do not feel they are currently equipped to meet the target. Some 78 per cent (59 per cent globally) said they need an extensive organisational change before tackling net zero. A lack of finance isn’t the only hurdle companies in Africa face on the road to 2050. Seventy-two per cent (63 per cent globally) believe a lack of consensus on net zero definitions and targets is hampering progress, while the same percentage (60 per cent globally) say a lack of support for net-zero transition from their organization’s investors is a significant barrier to net zero.
 ‘’Meanwhile, COVID-19 is forcing many businesses in the region to focus on immediate survival: A whopping 80 percent (85 percent globally) of African senior executives say the pandemic has delayed their company’s net-zero transition’’.
The research also reveals what business leaders believe is needed in order to speed up transition,stressing 90 per cent ( 77 percent globally) believe an effective global carbon tax, based on a carbon price that reflects the true cost of climate change would help the transition.
A further 88 per cent (81 per cent globally) said cost savings from sustainable practices could help the world hit net zero by 2050. Meanwhile, the same percentage (81 per cent globally) believe standardised net-zero measurement frameworks would help with transition, underlining the fact that what we have currently, a matrix of different definitions, measurement and reporting requirements is a major challenge for senior executives,it added.
Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered says: “Our survey reveals that most companies intend to transition to net-zero by 2050 but have yet to take the action needed to get there. A majority cite funding as an obstacle and carbon-intensive industries and emerging-market companies struggle the most.
“A successful net-zero transition must be just, leaving no nation, region or community behind and, despite the hurdles, action needs to be swift. We must act now, and we must act together: companies, consumers, governments, regulators and the finance industry must collaborate to develop sustainable solutions, technologies and infrastructure.”
Sarmad Lone, Regional Head, Client Coverage Corporate, Commercial & Institutional Banking Africa & Middle East, Standard Chartered Bank added: “Our survey reveals that there is significant opportunity in Africa to pave the way for zero-net carbon emissions. Our biggest challenge, and what should be a priority for us as companies, is to reach a consensus on net-zero definitions and how the transition should be implemented across the region. It is no question that this will take time and is a mandatory collective effort by all communities in Africa. We have to reverse the damage we have done to our planet, and I am honoured that Standard Chartered is a company that has placed priority in achieving this goal.”
Online Editor by — April 1, 2021 in Environment 0
 No Report Of Spill In Our Oil Fields-Chevron

Chevron to help KGOC double Neutral Zone output - Products & Services, NEWS, Onshore, Exploration & Production - Oil & Gas Middle East
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation,has faulted report of   an alleged oil spill from Abiteye, Makaraba and  Utonana Fields in CNL’s western area of operations, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The company said it has  investigated and continues to survey its Assets in the Abiteye and Utonana Fields including the 16” Makaraba-Utonana-Abiteye Right of Way (ROW) and confirms that there has not been any indication that the oil sheen on water is from its Assets in Abiteye, Makaraba and Utonana fields or from any other CNL facilities as alleged.
 Esimaje Brikinn, CNL’s General Manager Policy, Government and public Affairs said :“we take incidents of oil spill seriously. Our surveillance programme is an ongoing exercise engrained in our processes; and we respond to every report of a spill by following established industry regulatory processes, including engagements with communities and regulators, and Joint Investigation Visits (JIV), to determine source, cause and impact of such spills. These are ongoing in the current case”.  He added that after the initial report of an alleged spill in the area, CNL conducted an overflight of the area with the regulators, Department of Petroleum Resources and National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, and it was confirmed that there has been no spill emanating from any CNL’s assets in the area.
“We continue to engage the communities and communicate our findings concerning the alleged spill to the leadership of the community stakeholders. CNL operates in strict compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing the Nigerian petroleum industry and remains committed to the protection of people and the environment. We will continue to conduct our operations reliably and efficiently, with utmost consideration for environmental protection” he added
Online Editor by — March 29, 2021 in Environment 0
Water Day:Heritage To Construct Borehole For Communities

Heritage Bank Plc,says it plans to assist a community in dire need of clean water by installing a bore hole.
The development came on the heels of the commercial bank’s celebration of this year’s   World Water  Day
The theme for this year’s WWD 2021 is “Valuing Water,” which focuses on the importance of freshwater and presses for sustainable management of water resources. According to the United Nations, the day is aimed at raising awareness about 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water resources globally.
“The value of water is about much more than its price.” This day is celebrated keeping in line with Sustainable Development Goal number 6 which is aimed at achieving water and sanitation by all for 2030,” UN stated.
It further explained that global water demand is likely to rise by over 50 per cent by 2040.
The bank explained that as part of efforts to implement the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) sustainable banking principle, it has instituted a Corporate Social Responsibility’s (CSR) campaign project to assist a community in dire need of clean water by installing a bore hole.
This campaign project will be executed in two phases; the first involves nominations call for community that is in dire need of water will be put on its social platforms from 22nd March 2021, which will run for 30days,the bank said in a statement by its
 Divisional Head, Corporate Communications, Fela Ibidapo.
He disclosed that thorough research will be conducted on communities that put up for nominations and the most in need will be chosen.
He said the community leaders would be engaged, which will herald commencement of the project and handing over the borehole to the community.
Speaking on WWD 2021, the MD/CEO of the Bank, Ifie Sekibo said the adoption of the campaign project shows how Heritage Bank values water and making clean water accessible to the under-privilege, living in urban slums and rural areas.
According to him, to access safe water resources globally, higher value must be given to protecting the ecosystem in ensuring good quality water supply.
Sekibo, who further canvassed for the implementation of sustainable banking principle, tasked stakeholders to continually promote the need for more productive value of water, which would bring about developmental impact to society, while protecting the communities and environment in which financial institutions and their clients operate.
Online Editor by — March 24, 2021 in Environment 0
 Oyo To Purify Water With N400m

Oyo approves N399m for procurement of chemical to boost water purification -
 The Oyo State Government has approved the sum of   N399,990,000 for the procurement f 1,194 tons of Aluminum Sulphate   to provide potable water for the citizens of the state
It  also approved the implementation of mini-grid scheme for rural communities in the state to provide electric city supply to the rural areas.
The  Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated in a statement that the approvals for the procurement of the 1,194 tons of chemical called Aluminum Sulphate, at the cost of N399,990,000, and the implementation of mini-grid schemes were part of the resolutions reached at the 6th Executive Council Meeting of 2021, held on Tuesday.
The statement followed a press briefing addressed by the Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, and his  counterpart in the Ministry Energy and Mineral Resources, Barr. Temilolu Ashamu, held at the Press Centre of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Olatubosun, while speaking on the decisions taken, said that the approval for the procurement of the chemical was in line with the government’s vision to provide proper water treatment that will produce good drinking water for the citizens of the state and meet up with the Nigerian standard for water quality.
He said that the chemical will be distributed to all the branches of the Water Corporation in the state so as to be able to give potable water to people in the state.
He said: “We are here to brief you on the outcome of the 6th State Executive Council meeting of 2021. We deliberated and approved the procurement of the Aluminum Sulphate water treatment chemical, which will be used for proper water treatment to produce good drinking water and meet up with the Nigerian standard for water quality.
“For some time, the Water Corporation could not give water to the generality of our people and they presented a brief to the State Exco that they needed to procure the chemical. The quantity that the Council agreed to procure is 1,194 tonnes of Aluminum Sulphate at the rate of 335,000 per tonne, which will give us N399,990,000.
“This will be distributed to all the branches of the Water Corporation in the state so that they will continue to give potable water to the people.
“This has confirmed that the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde led-administration is very passionate about the welfare of the people of the state.”
Similarly, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Barr. Ashamu, said the Council approved the implementation for the mini-grid scheme for rural communities that have economic activities but are not connected to the national grid.
He added that the implementation will be carried out by four contractors, at a total sum of about N575 million Naira.
He explained that the first rollout of the scheme comprised four local governments and communities namely: Ajia Community in Ona-Ara Local Government; Otefo community in Atiba Local Government; Shamu Community in Iwajowa Local Government and Orinsunmibare in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area.
He added that each of the mini-grid will be centred around a health care or school and that they will serve other public facilities and also serve residences in the communities.
Ashamu said: “At the meeting, we approved the implementation of a mini-grid scheme for rural communities that have economic activities but are not connected to the national grid.
“The first rollout of the scheme comprises four local government and communities namely: Ajia Community in Ona-Ara Local government; Otefo community in Atiba Local Government; Shamu Community in Iwajowa Local Government and Orinsunmibare in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area.
“Each of the mini-grid will be centered around a health care or school. They will serve other public facilities and also serve residences in the communities.
“The implementation will be carried out by four contractors that will take each community for the total sum of about N575 Million Naira.
“It is an independent source. We recently announced that we are embarking on a transformer connection campaign for densely populated areas. But the places where the national grid has not yet been extended to, this administration has a vision that no community should be left behind. So, that is what birthed this mini-grid scheme.”
Online Editor by — March 11, 2021 in Environment 0
Lagos  Commences Awareness Campaign On Regulation of Outdoor Adverts

 

 

Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has flagged off the first phase of an awareness campaign to sensitise the general public on the need for compliance with regulations guiding outdoor advertisement in the state.  The regulations cover on-premise and off-premise signage displays as well as registration of mobile adverts.

 

Speaking during one of the agency’s awareness campaign in Lagos, Managing Director of LASAA, Prince Adedamola Docemo, said it is important to sensitise and educate the public on the need to comply with the LASAA law before the agency begins enforcement.

 

He noted that the exercise would provide another opportunity for LASAA to remind clients on the importance of always being on the side of the law as good individual and corporate citizens.

 

He urged Lagosians to cooperate with LASAA so that the state government can successfully deliver the dividends of democracy to them through its revenue optimisation effort.

 

Also speaking, Deputy General Manager, Corporate Communication and Strategy of LASAA, Mr. Temitope Akande, noted that LASAA has a tradition of embarking on an awareness campaign to clients and the public in general in February and March every year. The campaign will focus on the need for clients to be on the side of the law as enforcement would commence afterwards, he said.

 

“Our plan is to utilise all available medium of communication to sensitise the public on the need to register their advertising business signboards, temporary campaigns, road shows and billboards as well as branded vehicles to avoid falling foul of the enforcement drive that will follow this awareness exercise. We plan to engage our clients across all platforms to achieve our objective,” Akande said.

 

The Head of Mobile, Small Format and Temporary (MS&T) Department, Mr. Adebayo Aluko, said the purpose of the awareness programme is to ensure that at least 95 per cent compliance is achieved for all branded vehicles operating in Lagos State and also boost the revenue of the agency vis a vis that of the state.

 

“Hopefully, the enforcement on branded vehicles without the 2021 mobile advert permit within the state will be minimal,” Aluko said.

 

Explaining that branded vehicles without valid permits are usually grounded or impounded and made to pay the amount due before the vehicle is released, Aluko appealed to owners of branded vehicles to follow due process in good time and avoid enforcement and sanctions.

He said the agency frowns at the use of fake mobile advert stickers, noting that the display of fake mobile advert permit stickers is a criminal offence that is punishable under the law.

 

“For under declaration, vehicle owners are also sanctioned appropriately and issued a fine in line with the agency’s policy and for clients who comply on time and are truthful and sincere with the number of branded vehicles they have, the agency gives an incentive in the form of a discount,” he said.

 

Aluko said the response of Lagosians has been very impressive considering the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on businesses. He said the agency has been up to speed with its revenue target and expressed the hope that the target will be surpassed.

 

He added that LASAA is not focusing on revenue alone but also on the regulation of the environment, in line with its mission. He advised clients to ensure that their branded vehicles always look neat and presentable and to avoid any form of indecent advertisement.

//Ends.

Online Editor by — March 3, 2021 in Environment 0