Efforts to prevent oil spills and strengthen environmental protection in Rivers State have received a boost following the launch of a new oil spill prevention initiative by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited in collaboration with key stakeholders.
The initiative is designed to deepen awareness, strengthen stakeholder participation, and promote practical measures aimed at reducing oil spill incidents and their impact on communities and the environment.
Speaking at the kick-off of the initiative, the company’s General Manager, Government and Community Relations, Mr Evans Krukrubo, called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, industry operators and host communities to move oil spill prevention beyond awareness to concrete action.
Krukrubo said the initiative would focus on raising public awareness, encouraging community participation and promoting practical steps to prevent oil spills and mitigate their environmental consequences.
Representing the Managing Director of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Director, ICT/GIS, Alhaji Yusuf Rigasa, commended Renaissance Africa Energy for the initiative. He described oil spill prevention as a shared responsibility that requires the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders.
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Also speaking on behalf of the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, the Director of Administration in the Ministry, Mr Evans Dappa, urged Renaissance Africa Energy to strengthen its engagement with the ministry. He pledged the ministry’s continued support for environmental awareness programmes across the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Environment, Mr Ishmael Tominialadieokuma Tomonialadieokuma, emphasised the importance of sustained engagement with host communities as a means of preventing conflicts and improving environmental protection.
He also called for greater efforts to educate students on the causes and dangers of oil spills, noting that early environmental awareness could help foster responsible attitudes towards environmental protection.
The Rivers State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Moses Oleghe; the Chairman of the Rivers State Secondary School Education Board; and representatives of Host Community Development Trusts also pledged their support for the initiative.
The stakeholders expressed their commitment to working with Renaissance Africa Energy to promote oil spill prevention, strengthen environmental awareness, and protect communities and the wider environment in Rivers State.
