A coalition of Nigeria and international Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have expressed dismay at the devastating effects of environmental pollution occasioned by gas flaring, oil spills and other greenhouse gases bedeviling the oil communities in the Niger Delta region.
Consequently, the non state actors including the Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risks Reduction (NAPPDRR) in collaborstion with international partners – Global GreenGrants Funds (GGF) and OilWatch Africa (OA), have launched a solar – powered energy mitigation initiative at Edo community in Esit Eket local government area of Akwa Ibom State.
Addressing community leaders, elders, youths and women during the Clean Energy Awareness and Sensitisation workshop held at Edo Secondary School, Esit Eket LGA, the executive director (ED) of NAPPDRR, Hon. Emem Edoho, expressed fears over the consequences of fossil fuels and other pollutants on the lives of the rural residents, noting that people have been exposed to serious health hazards because of unrestrained pollution.
“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the urgent need to address the climate crisis and promote sustainable development in our communities.
Nigeria, like many other countries, is facing the challenges of climate change, energy poverty and environmental degradation.
“The federal government has made significant commitment to address these challenges, including the Energy Transition Plan, which aimes to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix to 30 percent by 2050. This aligns with our mission at NAPPDRR, to promote clean energy, climate change resilience, and sustainable development in our communities.
“Our focus on solar energy is timely and critical. Solar energy is clean, abundant and renewable resource that can power our homes, schools and healthcare centres, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the impact of climate change,” Edoho explained.
The Commissioner for Environment, Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Hon. Nsikak Ekong, said the workshop was timely coming at a time “when global conversations on climate change, sustainable energy transition, and environmental responsibility are taking the centre stage.”
“As a state endowed with renewable and non-renewable energy resources, Akwa Ibom is fully aware of the urgent need to strike a balance between development and sustainability,” he noted.
Represented by the director of Petroleum Resources, Engr. Anietie Emah, the commissioner noted that the initiative aligns with the ARISE Agenda blueprint of the governor Umo Eno – led administration in the energy sector.
He assured that the state government “is committed to advancing policies and programmes that promote clean energy adoption, reduce carbon emissions and protect our environment for present and future generations.”
“We have continued to strengthen collaborations with local and international stakeholders to scale up renewable energy deployment, enhanced public awareness, and support innovation in green technology,” he added.
Mr. Samuel Atara, Community Affairs Manager at Frontier Oil and other resources persons including Engr. Sampson Abia; Mr. Mfon Gabriel, Executive Director, Ibom Peers Foundation and Dr. Fyneface Dumnamane, who tutored participants on the rudiments of solar systems and installation, underscored the importance of the green energy as the most viable energy alternative to save humanity.
