….To clean up and check indiscriminate use of our rivers
Isaac Money – Yenagoa
Aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges being faced by our rivers which are the conner stone for food security and other marine activities, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, the Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer of Niger Delta Basin Development Authority ( NDBDA) has launched ” Adopt a River” initiative.
Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, MD, NDBDA
The initiative is to enable individuals and organisations adopt ways to clean up the rivers and invest in alternative energy sources.
Prince Amgbare while launching the new initiative, first of its kind in Nigeria, during the commemoration of the “World Rivers Day celebration which took place at the Portharcourt Area office of the NDBDA on Monday said the initiative became necessary following the importance of rivers in our lives, and how the rivers have been miss used in various ways.
He noted that the new initiative would check and protect the indiscriminate use of our rivers.
His words: “In the Niger Delta region ,our rivers are lifeblood of our communities, providing water, food and livelihoods for millions.
“However, decades of unchecked oil and gas exploration and exploitation have severely degraded our environment posing significant threats to marine resources which is the blue Economy. Pollution from oil spills ,chemicals and heavy metals has destroyed mangroves, contaminated soil, and harmed human health in the region.
“To address these challenges ,I am glad to announce the launching of a new initiative ,”Adopt a River”, he announced at the event, and called on “corporate organisations, other government agencies, NGOs, and well meaning individuals in the region to adopt and clean up our rivers, conduct environmental assessments, and invest in alternative energy sources”
Protecting our rivers, according to him, requires urgent attention and collective action from governments, and civil society.
“We must work together to promote recycling and reduce plastic waste that ends up in our rivers, implement, support sustainable agricultural practices and conservation efforts, while advocating for environmental friendly policies that protect our rivers and communities.
“Let us unite to safeguide our water resources , ensure a healthier environment, and create a brighter future for generations to come. We can work together in this regard” Prince Amgbare appealed, and lauded the “River Ethiope Foundation for what they have been doing in the adoption of the River Ethiope in Delta state”.
The NDBDA joined the World to celebrate the World River Day 2024 celebration following the directive of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources with the global theme: ” Celebrating the incredible natural, cultural, and recreational values of our rivers and streams in our communities”
However ,here in Nigeria , the focus is on the sub-theme: “Protecting our rivers from Pollution to reduce flooding”.
The NDBDA boss also used the occasion to recognise efforts of Mark Angelo, a renowned river advocate and Conservationist, who founded Rivers Day in British Colombia, Canada, in 1980, and this led to the Day’s recognition at the United Nations.
“It is on record that his dedication to rivers conservation led to the United Nations General Assembly declaring March 14th as the International Day of Action for Rivers in 2005 and later , the declaration of the World Rivers Day on the last Saturday of September.
The event which is now observed in over 100 countries used to be marked with ” river cleanups, conservation efforts, educational programs and community celebrations.
Highlights at the Portharcourt event was the sensitisation and distribution of handbills on dangers of open defecation and steps to ending open dedication; raise awareness about river conservation and sustainability amongst others, along the streets of Portharcourt, including goodwill messages to mark the day.
Wife of the MD/CEO, Mrs. Leticia Amgbare, the Chief of Staff , Chief Dogiye Sylva , Directors and staff of the Authority graced the event.