Skip to main content

STAKEHOLDERS URGE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL INJUSTICE IN THE NIGER-DELTA


 


By Toyyib Omowale 


Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region have called on the Federal Government to accord the oil-rich region the recognition and development it rightfully deserves, as the major contributor to the nation’s wealth.


The call was made during the AFREXTRACT Town-hall Meeting convened by the Centre for Niger Delta Studies and Sustainability, Federal University Otuoke, in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.


The event, themed “Entanglements with Oil Extraction in the Niger Delta: Daily Realities of Living with Oil and Coping Mechanisms for Oil Spills and Gas Flaring,” brought together traditional rulers, academics, civil society organizations, and community leaders to deliberate on the environmental and socio-economic challenges confronting the region.


In his remarks, King Bubraye Dakolo, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, expressed delight that such a forum was convened to shed light on the realities of communities affected by oil exploration, particularly in the creeks.

He urged the Federal Government to stop politicizing issues related to the Niger Delta, warning that doing so would further aggravate the suffering of the people.


Also speaking, Professor Charles Adias, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Otuoke represented by Professor Chris Oyema, the Deputy Vice Chancellor lamented the severe environmental crisis in the region, which he attributed primarily to crude oil exploration and its associated pollution.


He noted that the partnership between Federal University Otuoke and the University of Groningen is geared towards finding long-term solutions and giving the Niger Delta people a stronger voice in addressing environmental degradation.

Professor Oyema called on the Federal Government and multinational oil companies to ensure a fairer distribution of the proceeds from oil sales, rather than adopting exploitative economic policies.


On his part, Dr. Jackson Tamunosaki Jack, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Groningen and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Federal University Otuoke, said the townhall was aimed at engaging community stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the media to critically examine the impact of oil extraction and the local responses to such challenges.


Highlights of the event were contributions from participants both on-site and virtual ranging from personal testimonies to policy-focused suggestions. 

Community leaders, scholars, and environmental activists all emphasized the urgency of fairer treatment and resource allocation.

Dignitaries present at the event included Chief Okosughe Benson-Eseimokumo, Paramount Ruler Ogboinbiri Community, Professor Enetimi Idah Seiyaboh, Director of the Centre for Niger Delta Studies and Sustainability, Federal University Otuoke; Dr. Raimi Lasisi, Dr. Ophili Fedrick, Dr. Stanley Boro, Dr. Sophia Obi, amongst others.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BREAKING: Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation Awards Scholarships Worth ₦749m To 101 Prospective Students At Hensard University

The Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation has announced the recipients of its prestigious scholarship program, awarding full tuition to 101 deserving students to attend Hensard University in Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State.  The total value of the scholarships is a substantial ₦749,000,000, covering tuition fees across a diverse range of academic disciplines. The scholarship program, a key initiative of the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, aims to provide access to quality education for bright and promising students, particularly those from Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta region. The successful candidates were selected after a rigorous examination process. The beneficiaries will be pursuing various courses at Hensard University, including high-demand fields such as Medicine and Surgery, Law, Pharmacy, Nursing, Engineering, and Film & Multimedia Studies.  The list of successful candidates, including their names, gender, course of study, state of origin, and local government ar...
Post a Comment
Read more

Reasons why Political Actors Detract from Senator Dickson

   By Gabriel Ukuta In a political terrain that is often characterized by lofty promises, unfulfilled pledges, and leaders who drift away from their people once elected into office. Senator Henry Seriake Dickson in the midst of this familiar pattern, has carved out a reputation that sets him apart: he is a promise-keeper, a leader who matches words with action, and a representative deeply rooted in the lives of his people. This unique approach to politics is precisely why certain political actors in Bayelsa West often attempt to detract from his leadership. His style of governance and representation is not built on empty slogans but on visible results, loyalty to his people, and consistency in fulfilling his commitments. Such authenticity in leadership naturally unsettles those whose politics thrives on deception and opportunism. At the National Assembly, Senator Dickson has continued to distinguish himself. His voice is firm and consistent on issues that concern not only Baye...
Post a Comment
Read more