We Need To Work Together To Save This Planet – Prof. Osundare

Oyewumi Agunbiade

 Web News Radio Nigeria Ibadan

Prof. Niyi Osundare

The renowned African poet, Professor Niyi Osundare, has called for a synergy among artistes, activists and policy makers in the battle against eco-degradation, an act that is presently contributing to global warming, earthquakes, hurricanes, water and air pollution, wildlife extinction, and many ailments such as asthma.

Professor Osundare made the call at virtual forum organized by the Green Institute.

The poet who lamented the alarming rate of desert encroachment, poisoned seas, and the extinction of species said the reckless use and abuse of the environment gave him much concern, hence his preservative advocacies through art.

He condemned world politicians who said climate change is not real, describing such leaders as dangerous to humanity. 

Professor Osundare noted that the restraint at addressing climate change globally cannot be dissociated from those who do not believe in it.

He urged the Salvation Army of the Earth as championed by the late Nigerian writer and environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa never to relent in their advocacies as the calls are gradually being heeded in the face of overwhelming repercussions of environmental degradation.

Professor Osundare therefore called for a synergy among writers, activists, and policy makers to address the ravaging trend of climate change noting that writers’ and artists’ observation and advocacy can only translate to action when policy makers reason with them. 

World Environment Day Mask Challenge

Nine out of ten people breathe polluted air. From 24 May, through to #WorldEnvironmentDay on June 5, we are calling on everyone to join the Mask Challenge. Face masks are a great symbol to show leaders we want to breathe clean air. Alongside celebrities, influencers and creators, the World Environment Day campaign invites everyone to:

Decide what action you are going to take to #BeatAirPollution

Here are some examples:

• Use public transport or car sharing, cycle or walk

• Switch to a hybrid or electric vehicle and request electric taxis

• Turn off the car engine when stationary

• Reduce your consumption of meat and dairy to help cut methane emissions

• Compost organic food items and recycle non-organic trash

• Switch to high-efficiency home heating systems and equipment

• Save energy: turn off lights and electronics when not in use 

• Choose non-toxic paints and furnishings
   

1. Make a pledge and challenge others to take action
   May 24th – June 4th

   • Take a photo or video of yourself wearing a mask to post on social media. Don't have a mask?

   • Get creative and make your own!

   • In your post share the action you’ll take to reduce air pollution

   • Tag 3 people/organizations/ companies to challenge them to do the same.

   • Use #WorldEnvironmentDay and #BeatAirPollution in your social media posts and don’t forget to tag @UNEnvironment.
      

2. On World Environment Day, show how you have fulfilled your pledge!

• Take another photo or video of yourself fulfilling your commitment and post it on social media.

• Use #WorldEnvironmentDay and #BeatAirPollution in your social media posts and don’t forget to tag @UNEnvironment. 
  

Source: World Environment Day Website

NATURE SERIES: Exploring the Oil Producing Region of Ondo State, Nigeria

We stepped a little bit out of our comfort zone to have a feeling of what the sea life looks like. Our notepad got exhausted at the avalanche of discoveries and findings we got from the Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo. Ilaje has an area of 1,318 km2 and a population of about 290,615 at the census of 2006. We cannot but wonder at the adaptive nature of these people to their aquatic environment. Young children within the age range of 7 to 10 paddle their own canoes to school, the water that serves as road is the same water for bathing, laundry, swimming and fishing. Despite the harsh environmental conditions, smiles were not scarce from their faces. Their occupational activities include fishing, canoe making, lumbering, net making, mat making, farming and trading.  Ilaje is enriched with natural economic potential such as petroleum and bitumen and a unique centre for tourism but in the midst of all the abundance in the land, the people of the land are being paid less attention. In an interview we had with the Chairman of Fishermen Association of Ayetoro, he said oil exploration is killing the fishes in the sea which has hampered the profitability of the fishing business, he further explains that flood is destroying their houses and schools which has left many homeless and clueless . In his own words, he said “in the next 12 months, if the government fails to come to our rescue, where we are standing now will be taken over by waters from the sea”. At this point we sighed at the impending danger that awaits this full potentiated area if we fold our arms and we also rejoiced at the possibility of greatness we can achieve if we can come together as individuals, corporate bodies, and government parastatals to answer the call of this people. Greatness is achievable if we have great minds. See pictures below: