Oyorokoto: The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), a Non-Governmental Organisation has reaffirmed its dedication to environmental protection by donating solar fridges to small-scale fish vendors in Oyorokoto, Rivers. Oyorokoto is a fishing hub in Andoni local government area of Rivers.
According to Voice of Nigeria, representatives of NCF, Mrs Stella Egbe and Mr Shittu Usman made the donation on Wednesday to heads of four leadership units in Oyorokoto. Egbe explained that the initiative is part of the NGO’s efforts to promote environmental advocacy and ecosystems preservation in the bustling fishing settlement.
She further noted that the initiative titled: ‘Creating A Resilient East Atlantic Flyway’ was aimed at conserving wetlands, empowering people, and safeguarding migratory birds. The solar fridges would enable small-scale fishermen and women to preserve unsold fish, rather than disposing of them indiscriminately, a practice that has contributed to environmental degradation over the years.
Egbe stated, ‘This donation is also supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, Consumer Protection and the International Climate Initiative.’
Receiving the solar fridges on behalf of benefiting units, Chief Rokeek Ngo urged the people to ensure judicious use of the facilities, while also charging them to protect public facilities in the area. Mr Gogo Ujile, a conservationist, commended the NCF and its partners for the gesture and pledged to continue advocating for the preservation of the natural ecosystem.
Ujile highlighted that ‘Andoni Island is regarded as Nigeria’s most biodiverse island with enormous natural resources, housing rare animals and mammals ranging from Elephants to the Wales.’ He further mentioned that the NCF in Andoni has also carried out projects including Nypa Palm Utilisation Training Program and planting over 10,000 mangrove seedlings at Unyeada and Unyengala community. Additionally, the NCF established conservation clubs in secondary schools and donated exercise books to primary and secondary schools in the area.