Group to hold workshop on impact of pipeline damage
By Emma Arubi
WARRI—AN environment impact awareness and sensitisation workshop on damage of pipelines inGbaramatu kingdom of Delta State and across the entire region would soon be organised by the Niger Delta Re-orientation Project (NDRP)for all relevant stakeholders.
The workshop is billed to be chaired by Senator Folasade Bent, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, while Director General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Remediation Agency (NOSDRA), Dr. Bamidele Ajakaiye, would present a lead paper.
Chairman of NDRP, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, said the workshop was aimed at complimenting the efforts of other stakeholders in letting the people of oil bearing communities know the negative impact of pipeline vandalism and other related vices in the areas.
“This environmental workshop is to enable leaders and youths in the communities choose the best option to cooperate with relevant authorities in protecting their environment, roles and functions of the agencies in protecting, preventing and managing the fragile environment of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
“Attention of the workshop will be geared towards the age group that is in the high spirit of reacting violently, and which actions have drastically destroyed the entire ecosystem as a result of spill emanating from vandalisation.
“THe youth and community leaders in the core host communities have developed hardened hearts of neglecting their environment due to pas or present disagreement with oil companies and government policies,” he added.
Mulade said the workshop would draw participants from host communities, government agencies saddled with the responsibility of protecting the environment as well as other stakeholders in the area.
He said the forum would look into the issues and response to oil spill management, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and post EIA, as well as highlighting the dangers associated with pollution and vandalisation of oil pipeline and its efects on the environment.
