HOMEF Unveils a Book to Tackle Nigeria Socio-Ecological Challenge
Stella Peter
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), has unveiled a book, titled “Nigeria Socio-Ecological Alternative Charter”, which contains a call for transformation of the country’s ecological landscape.
Presenting the book on Thursday, at the Niger Delta Alternative Convergence, held in Abuja, the Executive Director of HOMEF, Dr Nnimmo Bassey said the Charter presents a clear roadmap towards achieving a collective vision for the ecological well being of the nation, firmly grounded in the values of fairness, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability.
He said Nigeria is fortunate to have been bestowed with an exceptional climate and ecosystem, but the natural habitat is currently facing a crucial turning point due to the worsening effects of human caused climate change and biodiversity loss occasioned by destructive extraction.
Bassey stated that ecological threats are manifest everywhere in the country, stressing that “From the ecological catastrophe of oil and gas extraction in the Niger Delta that has reduced the region to the one of the most polluted places in the world, to the rising impacts of solid mineral extraction that is polluting lands and water at an unbelievable rate, Nigeria is one huge ecological time bomb”.
The HOMEF boss explained that the Nigeria Socio Ecological Alternatives Convergence was co-created with civil society organisations, frontline communities, activists and academics as a space for thinking, planning to drive an alternative ecological blueprint for Nigeria, an alternative ecological approach that respects the right of mother earth, and protects the planet and its people.
He said “The Charter represents a powerful call for a fundamental transformation of Nigeria’s socio-ecological landscape. It outlines a vision and plan for creating a sustainable, fair, and balanced society that prioritises the well-being of individuals and the preservation of the natural world”.
In his keynote address titled “The Dynamics of Climate and Impacts of Migration, Conflict and Food Security in Nigeria”, Prof Gundu said the pollution that is taking place in the industrial world is increasing the challenges of climate change.
Gundu, a Vice Chancellor of University of Mkar, Benue State, called for wider sensitisation on climate justice to reduce future epidemic resulting from the attacks on the environment by man.
Also in his paper presentation, tilted “Does the Tragedy of the Commons Explain the Lessons Derived from the Economic History of Nigeria and Resource Extraction?, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, wondered why gas flaring has not ended in the Niger Delta region, even when the world is struggling to tackle issues relating to climate.
Prof Nwajiuba wondered “Why are top-of-science methods and international best practices for spills in petroleum-bearing communities and routes not used in Nigeria?
He said “Except we are in denial, Nigeria has manifested an attitude of anything goes in dealing with the Oil prospecting companies over a long time. Most of these companies adopt or are allowed not to follow the rules and the check list. The IOCs working in Nigeria already
knows how things are done here. They therefore do in Nigeria what they cannot do elsewhere.
They pay lip service to what is expected of them, and even what they may have accepted to do. When they pollute the environment in Nigeria and when they do
that elsewhere, the attitude and approach is different”, Nwajiuba queried.
