Gas Flaring: Cancer Rate Will Increase In Niger Delta – Prof. Utomi
By
Ughelli – A developmental economist, Prof. Pat
Utomi has said that the rate of cancer will increase in the Niger Delta region
in the near future, unless the current rate of gas flaring is checked to stop
the degradation of the environment.
Prof. Utomi noted that a healthy environment is a
heritage from our fathers, but sadly we may not be able to bequeath same to our
children because of activities of oil majors and our poor attitude to
environmental issues.
Presenting his keynote address at the second
mid-year national conference of the Isoko Development Union (IDU) women’s wing
weekend, with a theme; “Building Healthy People and Healthy Planet,” he stated
that history will not treat us kindly if we fail to show concern about the
environment.
While advocating for women empowerment through
proper education, he said that this enable them to take actions that will
mitigate environmental challenges in future. According to him, women are closer
to the environment as caregivers.
He said: “There is no challenge that cannot be
overcome by women, because they have milk of human kindness, therefore they are
critical to development and if well educated, they can trigger up development when
they apply their natural strength.”
Utomi who was given “Isoko Prestigious Award,”
also said that there are enough resources in the world, but sadly there are
high levels of poverty because of failure of leadership.” He added, “We have
leaders who don’t have the political will, ‘the know-how and know why things
are not changing.”
He explained that the starting point in escaping
from poverty is proper education for our children and women, stressing that
women are very important factor in the education of the children, especially in
their moral upbringing.
On his youth empowerment programme, he noted that
many youths leave school certificated, but lack the skill and workplace
attitude.
He explained that the ‘Center for Value in
Leadership’ emerged to fill this gap by equipping youths with the needed skills
to become wealth creator through self mastering.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the President of
IDU, Amb. (Mrs.) Caroline Usikpedo-Omoniye canvassed for social inclusion of
women and 50/50 affirmative action on women participation in governance, noting
that if implemented, it will boost development and also empower the womenfolk.
Comments
Post a Comment