Yesterday, Hon. Barr. Fadeshola Ojamomi and professional colleagues play host to Sen. Barr. Henry Seriake Dickson. The former Governor of Bayelsa State and current Senator Representing Bayelsa West at the National Assembly is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change. He was elated to meet with young influential minds, media influencers and Environmental Activists and Advocates across Nigeria and discuss elaborately on his plans for this additional portfolio.
At the media interaction, Senator Dickson highlighted his notable accomplishments spanning various sectors in Bayelsa, including the recent Excellence in Environmental Leadership Award for his outstanding contributions to the issues of environment. This prestigious award was bestowed on him by a coalition of 20 non-governmental organizations.
Okwudili, said the award was conferred on the Senator for his contributions and stewardship in sustaining a healthy environment while serving as Governor of Bayelsa State between 2012 and 2020. He explained that the Senator, during his tenure as governor, empaneled an International Commission on Oil Spills to assess environmental damages, determine responsibility, and develop a new legal framework for accountability and compensation in the area.
At the Media Parley, Hon. Barr. Fadeshola Ojamomi who served in Yenagoa during his compulsory National Youth Service Corps, appreciated the Senator for providing leadership and direction when he was a Governor. He noted that Corp members were very secured during his regime, students were more encouraged to go to school and how the distinguished Senator ensured that Ese Oruru was rescued from Abduction and re-united with her Family.
Hon. Ojamomi charged the Senator to use his new office as the Chairman Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change to restore hopes to the people, especially those in the Niger Delta who are worst hit my Ecological Disaster and Climate Change. He noted that communities like Idi-Ogba, Awoye, Mese, Ayetoro ( UNESCO World Heritage Site ) amongst others in Ondo State have been washed into the Atlantic Ocean due to the continuous rise in sea level , oil exploration activities and more extreme weather event.
He further stressed that the Ecological funds accrue to states are not been used for its exact purposes. He emphasized that successive Governments have abandoned areas affected by ecological problems and rather spend the resources devoted, on cosmetic projects and personal lifestyle. Ojamomi also pray the Senator to use his Capacity, wealth of experience and expertise in ensuring that the Provision of Section 12(1) of the NDDC (establishment) Act, no longer be misinterpreted. People from Oil producing areas must no longer be shortchanged or schemed out of appointments. Only those who are members of the Oil producing communities should be appointed into the executive positions of the NDDC.
The Senator in his response, called on the federal government to pay attention to the reckless deforestation taking place across the country. The Senator also promised to take advantage of his new position as Chairman, Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change to collaborate with all critical stakeholders on the issue of the environment and climate protection. He reiterated that he will do everything possible to ensure NDDC regains its glory.
He pledged to use all platforms available to him to advance the cause of the environment, the ecology and climate change. “As the Chairman of the Senate Committee of Ecology and Climate Change, I will work with all NGOs in Nigeria, support the efforts of all institutions and bodies, to advance the cause of the environment, particularly to join the campaign against climate change.
