Senator Seriake Dickson, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, has expressed alarm over the prevalence of heavy metal poisoning among residents of the Niger Delta region, particularly in the oil-rich state of Bayelsa.
Speaking at an event where he was honored with an Excellence in environmental leadership award by the Global Initiative for Climate and Environmental Sustainability (GICES), Dickson called on state Governors to take immediate measures to address this concerning trend.
He pointed out that the activities of multinational oil companies in the region were contributing to this environmental hazard. During his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State (2012-2020), Dickson took proactive steps to address environmental issues.
He formed an International Commission on Oil Spills to assess damages, allocate responsibility, and establish a new legal framework for accountability and compensation.
The commission’s findings were presented to the House of Lords and received by the current Governor of Bayelsa State.
Dickson also emphasized his administration’s efforts to curb deforestation. He employed 250 graduates who were trained and appointed as forest protection officers to combat illegal tree felling in Bayelsa and other parts of the Niger Delta.
Additionally, he raised concerns about heavy metal poisoning due to contaminated air, water, and fish consumed by the people over the years.
Acknowledging that the oil companies were initially uncooperative and even opposed his efforts, Dickson urged continued action to address the issue.
He called for greater attention to deforestation across Nigeria and the environmental degradation caused by oil companies in the Niger Delta.
The Global Initiative for Climate and Environmental Sustainability commended Dickson’s commitment to environmental preservation, particularly for his leadership in tackling deforestation and addressing environmental challenges in the oil industry.
The award recognizes his contributions during his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State and his efforts to promote a healthier environment for the region’s residents.
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