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World Environment Day: Environmental Activist Advocates Huge Tax For Companies Engaged In Pollution

Published

2 years ago

June 5, 2023

Editor

An environmental activist and Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, has advocated huge taxation for companies involved in pollution of the environment

Bassey who made this submission in Benin on Monday at the organisation’s 2023 School of Ecology on Arts and Culture, described Nigeria as a “difficult environment”, hence everyone must embark on advocacy for safe environment.

HOMEF’s June 2023 School of Ecology on Arts and Culture was held to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day and also to broadening communities understanding of causes of Climate Change.

He added: “There is no reason why the big companies polluting our environment should go without paying a big tax for their pollution.

“We have a duty, which is inescapable, to advocate for a safe and clean environment where people can live in dignity to develop and grow their potentials.

“We also have a duty to inform policies and to advocate for policy changes.”

Emphasizing the fact that a safe environment is right of the people according to Africa Chartered for People and Human Rights, the environmental activist lamented that in spite of the damage caused to the environment, companies into pollution are having their ways because of their influence in the society.

He said: “This is the only way you can have a healthy people; and without a healthy people, you can’t have a healthy workforce.

“If we want to have Nigeria working again, we need to have healthy people in a clean environment.

” What this companies are doing is, If the world eventually moves away from using petrol, diesel and the rest, this industry wants to make sure the world stays with plastic to keep their production alive, all for profits. They don’t really care about the safety of the environment; the safety of our biodiversity or the lives of citizens. As long as they can make money and keep their business going, they are okay,” he added.

He, therefore, called on the new government in Nigeria to “begin to think of the environment in differ way with a view to changing the narrative.”

On his part, a cartoonist with a newspaper, Mike Asukwo said “the way forward is that the advocacy should be more vocal; should be more stronger and more persistence. We need to keep speaking to the issues.”

He continued: “We should do everything possible to draw government attention to the dangers of climate change. We should be more conscious of how we treat our environment; how we treat waste.”

This month edition of School of Ecology also featured poetry, drama, etc, in telling stories of dangers in climate change.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

12 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

13 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

14 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.