By Oghenekevwe Laba
LAGOS JULY 10 (URHOBOTODAY) An Environmentalist and Executive Director of Onuesoke Foundation, Mr Sunny Onuesoke has called on the people of Delta State in particular and Nigerians in general to be on the alert in the coming months so as to prevent a heavy flooding. He also advises on the modalities to adopt in order to prevent heavy flooding in the coming rainy season.
Onuesoke who made the call recently in Ughelli shortly after rising from a meeting of stakeholders of Onuesoke Foundation, advised on the need to be prepared and vigilant so as to prevent the recurrence of last year flooding in the state.
Making the appeal in view of the heavy rains predicted by the Nigerian Metrological Agency (NIMET), Onuesoke enjoined the people of Delta State to complement government efforts by embarking on activities that would help in promoting a healthy environment and preserve human existence, just as he advised that they should stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse and embark on weekly sanitation for there to be smooth flow of waterways and drainage channels as that could act as preventive measures against the devastating flood.
While appealing to the people of Delta State to cultivate the culture of tree planting as a way of reducing the expected harsh effect of climate change which is now a global threat to human existence Onuesoko said, ” I called on Nigerians particularly the people of Delta State from the age 16 and above to start planting trees in their environment. This will help to reduce adverse effect of climate change. The citizens should support government efforts aimed at providing precautionary measures against the effects of climate change through this avenue.”
Onuesoke commended Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in his recent move of seeking for technical and capacity building assistance from partners to enable Delta State manage flood disasters, just as he advised that the Governor should be supported by all to enable him complete ongoing projects.
He appealed to members of the private sector as well as well-meaning Nigerians to assist government in educating and sensitizing the people about the dangers of climate change.