The 2024 World Environmental Health Day commemoration was held in Warri at Ekpan Hall, Omamor Street, Ekpan, Warri, Delta State. The event was attended by different stakeholders from the Niger Delta particularly from Delta state. Some of the attendees included youth groups, environmental activists, NGOs, civil society organizations, representatives of the Delta State Ministry of Environment, members of the academic community, and community leaders. The theme of this year’s event, “Environmental Health: Creating Resilient Communities through Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.” Participants shared insights on practical ways to address the environmental challenges facing Nigeria.
One of the guest speakers at the event Dr. Ebikapade Amasuomo, a lecturer from Niger Delta University in Bayelsa State emphasized the need for Nigerians to look inward and develop homegrown, sustainable solutions to climate-related problems as such solutions will be cheaper for local people, hence the possibility of mass adoption may be high. He urge attendees to look at ideas that fit local realities.
Speaking further, Dr. Amasuomo shared findings from a research project he participated in at Niger Delta University, which explored the generation of biogas from the large student population of Niger Delta University. He said the university had over 6 large septic tanks in student’s hostels for the collection of feces. He revealed that each tank collects large volume of fecal materials that is a potential source of renewable electricity for the university community. He explained that the experiment produced promising results, and his research team is currently pursuing grant opportunities to move the project into its practical implementation phase.
He said, if properly harnessed, the gases generated in septic tank systems across the country can become a big source of alternative energy, not just for institutions but also for individual households. speaking further, he said; “Across the country, many residential estates have septic tanks with a constant supply of organic material. These could produce enough biogas to serve four to five homes for up to eight months of the year. This is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative that can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cooking gas.”
His Royal Highness, Mr. Ebiegberi Goodluck, a traditional ruler from Kpakiama in Bomadi Local Government Area, responded to an earlier speaker who called for a total ban on the use of firewood for cooking. The monarch cautioned that such a move would be unrealistic for villagers who lack access to affordable alternatives. He said the government to provide viable and affordable clean energy options before enforcing restrictions on traditional cooking practices.
His contribution highlight the broader theme of the day that environmental sustainability should also reflect social equity and local practicality.
The Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health from the Ministry of Environment renewed the commitments of the State Government to promote environmental awareness, adopt eco-friendly practices, and support community-driven innovations aimed at tackling climate change.
