By: Odieh Ramon, Yenagoa.

Stakeholders of some Niger Delta communities have added their voices to the growing calls for the end to gas flaring in Nigeria.

The stakeholders who are from communities affected by environmental pollution and degradation are also advocating renewable energy as an alternative to fossil fuels.

The communities made their position known at Global Week of Action, organized by the Quest for Growth and Development Foundation under the theme “Kick the Polluters Out”, held in Port Harcourt Rivers State at the weekend.

Speaking at the town hall meeting, which brought together community leaders, civil society representatives, and traditional rulers, Barr. Mrs. Comfort Uche Agumagu, the woman leader of Oromeruezimgbu Community in Rivers State called on the government to accelerate the shift to renewable energy.

She demanded responsible environmental practices from oil multinationals who she blamed for extensive pollution of the environment.

She said; “I have learnt the harmful effect of pollution, especially gas flaring. Most of us were not aware of these things.

“Proper sensitization should be done so that the public will be fully aware of the dangers.”

Mrs. Agumagu issued a strong call to the Rivers State House of Assembly to prepare a bill that would ensure proper cleanup of other communities beyond Ogoni land and hold polluters accountable.

She commended Quest for Growth and Development Foundation for the sensitization programme, admitting that many residents had been living with the dangers of pollution without knowing it.

Mr. Chukwudi Ebony Johnson, a representative of ONELGA (Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni Local Government Area), praised the organisers while urging them to take the campaign to a higher level.

“I want to encourage the organisers to extend this programme to the state government,” Johnson said, signaling the need for policy-level engagement with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.

Royal Chief Ambassador Magnus, the paramount ruler of Erewa village and a stakeholder in Gokana Local Government Area, commended the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and the government for their efforts in Ogoni land.

“I commend HYPREP for taking their time to do what is right for the Ogoni people,” he said.

He however advised the government on a fundamental shift.