By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: In an impactful drive towards a cleaner and sustainable environment, the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt ECO spearheaded a sensitization initiative on Thursday, targeting the New Layout Market within the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Underlining the urgency of their mission, President Rtn Dr. Anthony Ikpor emphasized that the immediate environment significantly influences our overall well-being. He articulated the essence of sanitation as a holistic practice vital for nurturing a hygienic living space.
Dr. Ikpor, a distinguished Banking Executive, Environmental Advocate, and Business Management Consultant, highlighted the club’s focus: addressing the primary gap of maintaining a serene, pollution-free environment. His stance resonated with the club’s commitment to eradicate heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, from the environment.
During the sensitization, Dr. Ikpor drew attention to the detrimental impact of improper waste disposal, encouraging a collective effort among traders to prioritize environmental cleanliness. He highlighted the repercussions of neglecting sanitation, including the proliferation of disease-carrying pests like flies, mosquitoes, and rodents.
Calling for collaborative action, Dr. Ikpor urged the involvement of governmental bodies like the Rivers State Ministry of Environment and RIWAMA to join forces with the Rotary Club to drive and sustain this crucial process across Port Harcourt City.
Supportive voices resonated within the event as health and environmental officials echoed the significance of such initiatives. Dr. Mrs. Adeze Ureh, represented by Director Chetachuku Bestman Akachuku from the Ministry of Health, commended the club’s advocacy. Stressing the importance of environmental sanitation across diverse spaces, she highlighted the potential health hazards stemming from improper waste disposal, especially non-biodegradable materials like plastics.
Echoing this sentiment, Engr. Austin Ben Chioma, speaking through Deputy Director Nnedam Morgan from the Ministry of Environment, emphasized the fundamental connection between a clean environment and individual well-being. He underscored the necessity for private and public sector collaboration in fostering a healthy living environment for the people of Rivers State.
The event witnessed active participation from local market associations, with Mrs. Gloria Apakawari expressing gratitude to the Rotary Club for their intervention. Despite challenges faced by traders, including infrastructure deficiencies and reduced patronage, she acknowledged the club’s donation of waste disposal items as a significant step forward, urging similar contributions from other organizations in Rivers State.
Dr. Vivian Ozokwe, Chairperson of the Rotary Club’s environmental sanitation and sensitization committee, emphasized the adverse health implications of a polluted environment. She lauded the traders’ efforts in maintaining cleanliness within the market while stressing the need for continued commitment to reap the benefits of a healthy environment.
As the event concluded, Sele May Aso from the Ministry of Environment, also a member of the Rotary Club, expressed satisfaction with the event’s success. She extended gratitude to health and environment commissioners for their unwavering support and urged traders to implement the advice given for a cleaner and healthier market.
The event culminated in the official handover of waste disposal items by the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt ECO to the New Layout Market executive, marking a significant stride in their shared commitment to environmental sustainability.
