ASABA/Nigeria: The Coalition of Delta State Civil Society Organizations recently called on the government to take proactive measures in relocating residents living in flood-prone areas ahead of the predicted 2023 flood by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET.
This appeal was made during a Workshop on Waste Recycling organized by the Delta State Civil Society Organizations Forum to commemorate World Environment Day.
Ambassador Caroline Oliseowe, the Executive Director of Noble Delta Women for Peace and Development, highlighted the theme of the celebration, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” which aimed to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on the environment and propose measures to address the problem.
She emphasized that plastic pollution affects all ecosystems, accounting for approximately 85% of total marine waste. She also mentioned that currently, eleven million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean annually, a figure expected to triple in the next twenty years. Ambassador Oliseowe stressed the need for collective action to prevent this from happening.
Comrade Mulade Sheriff from the Center for Peace and Environment Justice also offered solutions to the challenges posed by plastic pollution and the predicted 2023 floods. He highlighted the potential impact on twenty-one states and the subsequent increase in the number of victims. Comrade Sheriff appealed to the government to be proactive and prepare internally displaced persons (IDP) camps for flood victims. He suggested evacuating residents from flood-prone communities as a preventive measure.
The Permanent Secretary of the Delta State Ministry of Environment, Dr. Minnie Oseji, acknowledged the ministry’s ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about the dangers of environmental pollution. Dr. Oseji emphasized the importance of resident involvement in combating plastic pollution and other harmful environmental practices. As part of the workshop, experts in plastic waste management were invited to educate participants on current trends in plastic recycling and the financial benefits associated with it.
The workshop was organised to address the issue of plastic pollution, raise awareness about the upcoming flood predictions, and urge the government to take proactive steps in relocating residents from flood-prone areas to mitigate potential risks and protect the affected communities.
