Environment

World Environment Day: Imbibe positive attributes to stop air pollution – Experts

Published

5 years ago

June 5, 2019

Agency Report

Some Environmental experts have advised Nigerians to imbibe positive attribute to help stop air pollution.

The experts made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while commemorating the 2019 World Environment Day with the theme: ‘Air Pollution’.

Dr Efegbidiki Okobia, the FCT State Chairman of the Nigerian Environmental Society, said: “we must take some of the positive attributes that will help stop air pollution.

“Air pollution can be either outdoor or indoor, it occurs when gases, dust particles, fumes or smoke or odour are introduced into the atmosphere in a way that makes it harmful to humans, animals and plants.

`In other words, it means the presence in or introduction into the air of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.”

Okobia said that the existence of man is connected to the habitable environment in several ways “and the air (oxygen) we breathe is a major factor”.

“This is significantly vital to human sustainability as correlations between lifestyle and air pollution can be induced by socio-economic status affecting both lifestyle and air pollution exposure.”

He said that the increasing death reports related to air pollution were most worrisome.

“ It is recorded that about seven million people die annually, one in eight of total global deaths is as a result of air pollution exposure, according to a WHO 2014 report.”

He also called on the government to drive the issue of data for effective management of the environment.

“ There is urgent need for Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the environmental regulatory and policy sectors to drive the processes of data collection.

“ The world is moving towards green cities but there are increasing calls for more ambient air pollution data in mitigating critical environmental and health challenges.

“Most times when we have issues of ailments, in most cases we tie them to spiritual attacks, not knowing that environmental challenges and air pollution are major causes’’.

“The usefulness of these data cuts across sectors and will help in policy direction and national development.

‘’It will also guide in trend analysis showing emission levels over a period which will help in mitigation strategies.”

Prof. Isaka Mallo of the University of Abuja said that the problem of air pollution was in implementation and enforcement of policies.

“I can see us deceiving ourselves, now its rainy season, you will see so many people carrying rubber containers on their backs, spraying herbicides.

“There is a rapid increase in these things, so does it mean that the government cannot arrest or stop them?

“My major worry is the implementation of these policies. We often come together to enumerate the causes and effects without the implementation.”

Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to friends of the environment by the organisers.

NAN

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Environment

Earthic Energy To Establish Solar Manufacturing Factory In Nigeria

Published

6 months ago

May 26, 2024

The Gleamer

By Uche Onyeali

Indigenous clean energy company, Earthic Energy Limited has disclosed plans to set up a solar energy manufacturing factory in Nigeria.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Miss Blessing Anulika Achebe gave the hint during the launch of the company in Abuja, at the weekend.

Miss Achebe, who disclosed that she has been in the solar energy business for five years, said though the journey had not been easy, but she and her partners are focused towards achieving the set goals of the company.

According to her, “The journey so far has not been easy, but I have been working with utmost determination, when I make up my mind to do something, I put in my best and God’s grace will always pave way for you with hard work.

“I have worked so hard to get to where I want to be today. I have tried so hard to make all my dreams come true. Like I said earlier, with the mercy of God everything has come to pass.”

On how she could cope with the competition in the sector, Achebe noted that her firm does not admit any factor that could stand as drawback, as a lot of women are already making waves in various sectors of the economy.

“Our determination is unhindered, though we acknowledge such competition as it paves the way for more resilience. Women are now taking over the world.

“I have been into solar for more than five years. Right now I have been pushing so hard and I see how the world is evolving around energy.

“I have made up my mind that said this is what I want to do. I said if I don’t get to where I want to be, there is no going back; I would go above the limit. I want to change lives; I want to make the world a better place. That is why I came up with ‘Earthic Energy Limited’ because the world revolves around the earth. The earth is where we live and that is why my colour is green and sun yellow. So I want to power the whole world.
“Our plan is to set up a solar energy factory in Nigeria where we can manufacture our own products,” she said.

She called for more investors and government at all levels to take advantage of Earthic’s services, which include solar streetlight installation, inverter/grid installation, construction, training/empowerment, as well as contract financing and partnership, supply/credit sales.

Speaking at the occasion, a Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Zaruwa commended Miss Achebe for her vision and bold step into the clean energy sub-sector.
Professor Zaruwa, a former Vice Chancellor of Adamawa State University, Mubi, urged government at all levels, especially governors in the northern part of the country where there is enormous sun, to partner Earthic Energy to improve power supply in the country.

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