News
Stakeholders Warn of Looming Disasters as Ejiro & Otive Igbuzor Foundation Presents Book on Gas Flaring
From Francis Sadhere, Warri
Stakeholders at the public presentation of Flames of Injustice: Health and Environmental Costs of Gas Flaring in Ughelli North LGA have raised fresh alarms over the dangers of gas flaring and pipeline installations in the Niger Delta, warning that continued negligence could trigger disasters of catastrophic proportions.
The event, held Tuesday at Government College, Ughelli, Delta State, and organised by the Ejiro & Otive Igbuzor Foundation, brought together government officials, academics, civil society groups, oil industry representatives, journalists, and community leaders.
Speakers described buried gas pipelines and incessant flaring as a “ticking time bomb” for host communities, where residents—many of whom are unaware of the risks—are “unknowingly sitting on their deathbeds.”
Professor Sunny Awhefeada, who reviewed the book, lamented the absence of political leaders at the launch, insisting that only political will and honest engagement can deliver lasting change.
He faulted some community elders for downplaying the impact of flaring because of personal benefits, while praising women and youths for speaking more frankly about their experiences.
“There is no quick fix,” Awhefeada said. “This is a movement whose time has come. Leaders and followers alike must take responsibility for ending the injustice of gas flaring.”
Other contributors, including Mrs. Ayo Okotie, Pastor Wilson Egbodge, and legal practitioner Dennis Warri—who represented the President General of Orogun Kingdom, Chief Bam Opone—warned that oil firms and regulators have failed to prioritise safety in their operations.
They noted that while youths are often lured with surveillance contracts, the long-term health and environmental dangers remain unaddressed.
Mr. Monday Osasah, Executive Director of the Foundation, said the research-driven book—supported by the Global Green Grants Fund—documents the scale of the crisis and proposes policy options for government and industry to mitigate the impacts.
He described the launch as a call to action for environmental justice across the Niger Delta.
The book reviewer and discussants stressed the need for environmental education in schools, stronger grassroots mobilisation, and unrelenting advocacy to hold government and oil companies accountable.
As discussions ended, participants resolved to intensify campaigns against gas flaring, warning that without urgent action, Nigeria risks facing preventable tragedies in oil-producing communities.
Stakeholders at the public presentation of Flames of Injustice: Health and Environmental Costs of Gas Flaring in Ughelli North LGA have raised fresh alarms over the dangers of gas flaring and pipeline installations in the Niger Delta, warning that continued negligence could trigger disasters of catastrophic proportions.
The event, held Tuesday at Government College, Ughelli, Delta State, and organised by the Ejiro & Otive Igbuzor Foundation, brought together government officials, academics, civil society groups, oil industry representatives, journalists, and community leaders.
Speakers described buried gas pipelines and incessant flaring as a “ticking time bomb” for host communities, where residents—many of whom are unaware of the risks—are “unknowingly sitting on their deathbeds.”
Professor Sunny Awhefeada, who reviewed the book, lamented the absence of political leaders at the launch, insisting that only political will and honest engagement can deliver lasting change.
He faulted some community elders for downplaying the impact of flaring because of personal benefits, while praising women and youths for speaking more frankly about their experiences.
“There is no quick fix,” Awhefeada said. “This is a movement whose time has come. Leaders and followers alike must take responsibility for ending the injustice of gas flaring.”
Other contributors, including Mrs. Ayo Okotie, Pastor Wilson Egbodge, and legal practitioner Dennis Warri—who represented the President General of Orogun Kingdom, Chief Bam Opone—warned that oil firms and regulators have failed to prioritise safety in their operations.
They noted that while youths are often lured with surveillance contracts, the long-term health and environmental dangers remain unaddressed.
Mr. Monday Osasah, Executive Director of the Foundation, said the research-driven book—supported by the Global Green Grants Fund—documents the scale of the crisis and proposes policy options for government and industry to mitigate the impacts.
He described the launch as a call to action for environmental justice across the Niger Delta.
The book reviewer and discussants stressed the need for environmental education in schools, stronger grassroots mobilisation, and unrelenting advocacy to hold government and oil companies accountable.
As discussions ended, participants resolved to intensify campaigns against gas flaring, warning that without urgent action, Nigeria risks facing preventable tragedies in oil-producing communities.
