The Federal Government and indeed, the people of the Niger Delta have been urged to pull resources together and save the region’s environment from further pollution so that the rich sea foods and other wild life could be preserved from going extinct.
A Nollywood actress from Andoni local government area of Rivers state, Matilda Lambert called on the people of the Niger Delta to join forces against environmental pollution in the region, noting that they stand to gain from fishing and other aquatic ventures they have been deprived because of pollution.
Lambert, who spoke to Journalists in Port Harcourt, explained that rural communities that once depended on the water for their economic survival have been restrained by pollution caused by oil spill and other human actions and pleaded.
She pleaded that something drastic needs to be done to reverse the bad trend.
She disclosed that millions of people across the Niger Delta can better preserve their waters and rid them off pollution if they are rightly sensitised, stressing that she aims to achieve that with her NGO.
According to her, the worst hit by this pollution are fishermen who now battle to earn a living because of the unfriendly attitude of people against aquatic life.
Lambert stated that her Foundation has started educating the people of the region on the health implications of oil spill, environmental degradation and other actions that impact negatively against marine life.
“Overtime, I have come to realise that my people are professional fishermen, who are facing the problem of oil spillage. The environmental degradation in the Niger Delta is heavily affecting their occupation.
“I grew up with the mentality that one day, I will help my people in the little way I can, hence this foundation.
“We are educating the people on the dangers associated with oil spillage and the environmental degradation we are experiencing in this area, and also teaching them what they should do to avoid the dangers.”
Daily independent reports that while stating that the foundation awarded scholarships to some less privileged children during its campaign, she however called on corporate bodies and the government and public spirited individuals to her initiative.
Lambert said: “Last week, when we did our sensitisation around the Okujagu waterfront in Port Harcourt, we supported less privileged kids with scholarships.
“Those that are very bright expressed beautiful ideas that can help in fighting environmental degradation were duly awarded with gifts and scholarships. However, I am calling on well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations and the government to come and support those efforts of mine in making the Niger Delta green and safe again for business.”
