The Federal Government has been commended for its determination to implement the clean-up of Ogoniland.
The distinguished professor of Environmental Engineering and Science, Prof Hilary Inyang, said the effective clean-up of the area would go a long way towards improving the poor environmental situation in the area.
He said the exercise should not be limited to Ogoniland, but also other parts of the Niger Delta because of many decades of oil and gas exploration and production as well the negative impact on the region.
Inyang, said the different sites have to be properly identified and categorised, especially as they have different risks.
He said due processes, including the creation of a cleanup fund, contribution of the Federal Government and other stakeholders have to be made in advance.
Inyang who was instrumental to the emergence of Nigeria Oil Spill Clean Up Manual and the establishment of the National Oil Spill National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA said many parties, particularly operators, communities and volunteers also need to be mobilised.
The distinguished professor said he would disclose more of the strategies and options at the 2016 IECL World Environment Day forum scheduled for the Nigeria – German Business Association House, Plot 1701, Violet Yough Close, Victoria Island, Lagos, on June 3, 2016.
He said the challenges that stare the region, and by extension the nation in the face are complex which call for appropriate diagnoses and execution in order to accomplish set objectives.
“I have undertaken several expeditions and studies in the region in the past few decades. I have also been involved in other regions around the world and would like to share my thoughts with the audience.”
The former Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, Professor Grace Alele Williams said she has already accepted to attend the important event as Special Guest of honour because of the importance of the environment to the entire world.
She said that the environment remains a very important resource which should be utilised and preserved for future generations.
The Chairman of International Energy Services Limited, Dr. Diran Fawibe would attend as Chairman.
Other speakers lined up for the programme include professor Lawrence Ezemonye, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), University of Benin, who would speak on the roles of habits, hobbies and occupations in the extinction of wildlife in Nigeria and other African nations.
While Mr. Deji Haastrup, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited is expected to speak on Conservation as Key to Protection and Preservation of Environment: Sharing the Nigerian Conservation Centre experience.
Also, Ms. Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, executive director, Spaces for Change would speak on Understanding the Legal Issues Associated with Illegal Trade in Wildlife in Nigeria and other Developing Countries.
The organisers of the event, International Energy Communications Limited, disclosed that the event would attract stakeholders such as global and regional organisations, federal and state ministries, agencies and parrastatals, corporate institutions, local governments, corporate organisations, international oil companies, indigenous oil and gas companies, contractors and suppliers, financial institutions, environmentalists, consultants, scholars and students from Nigeria and overseas.
