PPDF, Ikot Abasi Communities Take Environmental Campaign to Streets
By Imo Etim
Oil and gas producing communities in Ikot Abasi local government area in collaboration with Peace Point Development Foundation (PPDF), a Non-governmental Organisation has taken environmental campaigns to streets in Ikot Abasi local government area.
The rally which had communities from Uta Ewa, Opukalama and Ikpetim communities in Ikot Abasi held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.
The environmental supporters through their messages displayed on placards, posters and banners called on oil and gas companies and the citizens to engage in practices that promote climate justice and sustainable environment.
Some of the inscriptions sighted by this reporter were: “Stop Burning our Future”, Don’t be greedy. Be greeny”, ” No Restoration, No Divestment”, “Climate Change is inevitable unless we act now”, Poisoning Water is Genocide”, ” we can make our planet great again”, ” Save our environment “, ” stand up for climate justice “, ” and ” Pollution is a silent Killer “.
According to the rally lead and Coordinator of Peace Point Development Foundation, Mr. Umo Isua-ikoh, the rally was timely so as to give important environmental messages to the larger community especially at a time many States are facing the effects of climate change through flooding.
Isua-ikoh noted that the rally is targeted at oil companies among other companies operating in this area with a call on them to conduct their affairs in line with relevant environmental standards.
The Coordinator said “Our aim is to encourage people to promote climate justice and engage in practices that sustain the environment. We all know that Ikot Abasi is a very vulnerable environment because of their shoreline, the companies operating here and the rich resources beneath their earth and waters. Hence, this rally is to get the larger public besides those we have trained to be alert.
” It is greed that makes people use dangerous substances to fish and in the process destroy our waters. It is also greed that causes people to engage in illegal refining of crude oil in our mangroves. These are dangerous practices that we must stop.”
Isua-ikoh called on the people of the area to be conscious of their environment especially as environment monitors adding that negligence of the environment may lead to irreparable damage and regret.
He charged the people of the area to attach themselves to environmental clubs established by PPDF so that they can continue to receive training and also participate in programmes that will help promote climate justice.
