Environment
World Environment Day: Imbibe positive attributes to stop air pollution – Experts
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
Environment
Royal Commonwealth Society Kicks Off Clean Oceans Campaign in Nigeria
By Joel Ajayi
The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Commonwealth Games Nigeria, has officially launched the Clean Oceans Plastic Awareness Campaign in Nigeria, aiming to combat the growing threat of plastic pollution across the Commonwealth.
The campaign was flagged off on Wednesday at Jabi Lake, Abuja, with a strong message of environmental responsibility, especially for Nigeria’s youth.
The initiative is designed to raise awareness about plastic pollution, encourage proper waste disposal, and promote environmental stewardship—particularly around the country’s waterways.
Speaking at the launch, the Country Director and CEO of the Royal Commonwealth Society Nigeria, Mr. Blackson Olaseni Bayewumi, emphasized that the campaign is part of a global Commonwealth-wide effort to curb plastic waste and protect ocean ecosystems.
He highlighted the critical role of sports as a tool for engaging young people and driving meaningful change in environmental behavior.
“The Commonwealth accounts for one-third of the world’s ocean waters, and nearly half of its member countries are Small Island Developing States that suffer disproportionately from plastic pollution,” Bayewumi noted.
According to him, the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign aims to prevent at least one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways.
The campaign blends grassroots education with direct community action, urging people to reduce their plastic footprint, embrace alternatives, and promote cleaner oceans.
A major component of the campaign is its integration with the King’s Baton Relay—a hallmark of the build-up to the Commonwealth Games. In a groundbreaking move, the 2025-2026 relay will spotlight sustainability and environmental protection, beginning with its launch by His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day 2025. The Baton Relay is now on a 500-day journey across all Commonwealth nations and territories ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
In each country, including Nigeria, the Baton Relay will bring together youth, athletes, local communities, and environmental groups for a week of activities—most notably, organized plastic clean-up drives.
The urgency of this campaign is underlined by alarming statistics: the world produces 400 million tonnes of plastic every year, with over 12 million tonnes ending up in the oceans.
Without urgent action, scientists predict that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the sea.
Plastic waste poses a deadly threat to marine life—suffocating birds, fish, and mammals while damaging key ecosystems.
Moreover, as plastics break down into microplastics due to ocean erosion and sunlight, they enter our food, water, and even air.
Although the full health implications of microplastics remain unknown, early research suggests they may disrupt vital bodily functions—and there is currently no method to fully remove them from the environment or our bodies.
The campaign supports multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
SDG 12: Responsible, Consumption and ProductionSDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water
It also reflects the core principles of the Commonwealth Charter, especially: Article 9: Sustainable Development. Article 10: Protection of the Environment and Article 14: Recognition of the Needs of Small States
As the world grapples with escalating environmental challenges, the Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign represents a significant step in uniting nations, communities, and young leaders under a shared mission: to protect our oceans, preserve biodiversity, and build a cleaner, safer world for future generations.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News9 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
