REGULATE EXPLOITATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO REDUCE DISASTERS – PROFESSOR ONYEONAGU ADVISES GOVT

REPORTER: JOHN MADUAGWU

As Nigeria joins other countries to mark the 2024 International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, there is a greater need for concerted effort to ensure regulated exploitation of natural resources.

A Professor of Forage Agronomy, Department of Crop and Horticultural Sciences, Michael Okpara University, Umudike, Abia State, Professor Chike Onyeonagu, made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria in Umuahia.

Professor Onyeonagu lamented that due to extreme measures people have taken to exploit natural resources, the ecosystem had been adversely affected resulting in many natural disasters being experienced across the world.

The university lecturer called on government at all levels to ensure strict enforcement of environmental protection laws, met out appropriate punishment to defaulters and also encourage the development and wider use of renewable energy sources.

Professor Onyeonagu further called on communities to develop their own indigenous strategies to help them prevent or minimize the impact of natural disasters.

The International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, which is marked on October 9 annually, was instituted by the United Nations to encourage citizens and the government to take part in building more disaster-resilient communities and nations.

The theme for the 2024 event is “Empowering the next generation for a resilient future.”

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU