Rivers State Deputy Governor Dr. Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has solicited the support of the Community Development Committees (CDC) in the 23 Local Government Areas of the State to enlighten and sensitize their People about the dangers inherent in Artisanal Refining of Crude Oil.
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Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo (Right) making a speech during the Consultative Meeting with Stakeholders/CDC’s on the Implementation of Modular Refining Activities in the State at the Delta Hotel, Port Harcourt on the 13th March 2020.
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Dr. Banigo expressed this during a consultative meeting on Modular Refineries with the CDC Chairmen and Secretaries from the 23 Local Government Areas at the Delta Hotels Port Harcourt, on Friday, 13th February, 2020.
Dr. Banigo said the appeal became necessary in view of the fact that the issue of black soot concerns everybody because of the negative effect it has on our environment, noting that it is a matter that could kill all of us if we do not take necessary actions to stop it.
According to the Deputy Governor when scientists examined the particles of the soot they discovered that those particles are very dangerous to human health, plants and animals.
Dr. Banigo further disclosed that it can cause cancer and damage to virtually all the organs of the body like the lungs, heart, the kidneys and the skin, stressing that one of the major causes of soot is artisanal refining of crude oil which is popularly known as “Kpo Fire”.
Dr. Banigo informed the CDC members that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is committed to put an end to this problem by providing a better alternative to the People in the form of modular refineries.
She assured them that Government would not victimize anyone who abandons his or her artisanal refining business to embrace the modular refinery programme.
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Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo being welcomed by the Commissioner of Environment, Dr. Igbiks Tamuno to the Consultative Meeting with Stakeholders/CDC’s on the Implementation of Modular Refining Activities in the State at the Delta Hotel, Port Harcourt on the 13th March 2020.
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In his remarks the State Commissioner for Environment Dr. Igbiks Tamuno said Rivers State with a population of over seven million people the Kpo fire activities are spread across 14 Local Government Areas with some LGAs having as much as ten locations.
Dr Igbiks who said the effects of the soot are seen everywhere expressed worry that while some artisanal refinery operators smile to the banks majority of our people are suffering from the illegal activities of a few, stressing that the State Government is determined to put an end to this.
Also Speaking the State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources Dr. Peter Medee informed the CDC members that they were not invited to be accused but to partner with the State Government to proffer a lasting solution to the soot problem plaguing the State.
While sensitizing the people on the global coronavirus pandemic the State Commissioner for Information and Communications Pastor, Paulinus Nsirim who is also the Chairman of the Awareness Committee on the Prevention of Coronavirus in the State said the State Government decided to set up the awareness campaign on Coronavirus Prevention because the State Chief Executive, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike places a high premium on the wellbeing of all residents in the State, noting that this is not the time to spiritualize but to take proactive steps, improve on our personal hygiene level and protect ourselves and our loved ones from the Virus.
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