In Africa, when questions are put across to us, religious connotations are unavoidably present. Even when you speak in scientific terms, we cannot avoid making reference to The Creator of Heaven and the Universe. He intended for this world to be Forever Perfect for His children, but we chose the wrong path instead of Good and have become saddled with an Imperfect world / environment. In order for us to understand how bad the state of our environment has become, it’s imperative to understand the meaning of environment, protection / preservation as well as conservation which is a broader term for preservation.
The 3rd Edition of The Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines Environment as:
1) The air, water and land in or on which people, animals and plants live (in terms of Nature).
2) The conditions that you live or work in and the way that they influence how you feel or how effectively you can work (in relation to Surroundings).
On the other hand, protection and preservation are similar and involve keeping and maintaining what you have. That is, the activity of protecting something from loss or danger, maintaining its quality or the condition while conservation is the protection, preservation and careful management of the environment and of natural resources such as forests, wild life, sea creatures, soil (against erosion or deterioration), and water for the future.
In Nigeria and beyond her shores, governments have recognized the fundamental right to live in a healthy environment, therefore laws has been enacted placing restraints on activities contributing to the environmental crises plaguing the world; however such disturbing issues are on the increase and as such complete environmental protection seems impossible at this current global level.
1) Let’s take for example, positioning of polluting production companies in densely populated areas is unfair both to nature and the people;
2) Gas flaring ( not only oil spillage) aids in pollution and climate change which leads to decline in human health and increased air/weather-related disasters;
3) Migration from the villages to the cities lead to decreased habitats, in other words Survival of the Fittest;
4) The by-products from companies tend to make multinationals become owners of natural resources, hence causing shortages – for humans and non-humans – thus contributing to poverty.
5) Extensive clear-cutting of forests and so on has taken away our environment’s natural beauty; limited or no fishing in many waters because of contamination. It’s mostly filth all around us.
All these problems of environmental degradation are serious threats which cannot and should not be ignored because they often lead to economic, political, human rights and animal protection issues. The animals in the wilds have as much right to nature as you and I do.
Environmental protection and conservation helps in bringing to the forefront issues arising from the interrelations between humans and the environment; issues of biodiversity, land degradation or environmental policy in addition to the methods and policies of managing resources, assessing risk and pursuing environmentally sustainable practices. Simply put, Environmental protection involves preserving the environment from environmental degradation due to growth in population and technological advancement for the good of the nature and humans. Though issues of environmental protection involve a broad spectrum of stakeholders like the various arms of government (agents with the priority of establishing and maintaining basic standards protecting both the environment and people), it is everyone’s responsibility. Like Gerald R. Ford in his remarks at dedication of National Environmental Research Centre, July 3, 1975 said,
"We have too long treated the natural world as an adversary rather than as a life-sustaining gift from the Almighty. If man has the genius to build, which he has, he must also have the ability and the responsibility to preserve."
The Lioness
The Queen of the Castle
Monday 27 February 2012
Saturday 25 February 2012
Matters of Immense Concern
I've used the past couple of days to do some sober reflecting on topics other than Politics which should be of immense importance to everyone-leaders and the public. Topics that touch on Security, Patriotism, Justice, the Environment and encouraging small and large scale businesses to create jobs thereby investing not only in its host communities but outside irrespective of tribe. This would definitely go a long way in enhancing their Corporate Social Responsibility portfolios.
In my next post, I'd like to begin with the deplorable state of the environment which is deteriorating at an alarming pace as a result increasing environmental changes like deforestation, desert encroachment, oil spills and its dire consequences leading to loss of farmland (as applicable in deforestation too), loss livelihood for the fishermen and improper balance in wildlife and sea creatures in their native habitats and ecosystems.
Honestly, this is a very broad topic which some may not find interesting nor want to participate in BUT it would be in our best interest to give it some thought and let's find lasting solutions or alternatives to some of our environmental issues-gas flaring in Bonny, oil spillages in Ogoniland of great magnitude and so on. So until we chat again next week, have a great weekend guys and cheers.
I leave you with a few notable quotes from VIPs worldwide with regards to our environment:
1) "Nature is not something to be fought, conquered and changed according to any human whims. To some extent, of course, it has to be used. But what man should seek in regard to nature is not a complete domination but a modus vivendi - that is, a manner of living together, a coming to terms with something that was here before our time and will be here after it. The important corollary of this doctrine, it seems to me, is that man is not the lord of creation, with an omnipotent will, but a part of creation, with limitations, who ought to observe a decent humility in the face of the inscrutable."
-American Conservative scholar Richard M. Weaver(1910 - 1963) in The Southern Essays, pages 220 and 221
2) "As we peer into society's future, we - you and I, and our government - must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering for, for our own ease and convenience, the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage."
- Ex-US President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890 - 1969) in his Farewell Address to the Nation, January 17, 1961.
3) "We still think of air as free. But clean air is not free, and neither is clean water. The price tag on pollution control is high. Through our years of past carelessness we incurred a debt to nature, and now that debt is being called."
- 37th American President Richard Nixon(1913 - 1994) in Annual Message to Congress on the State of the Union, 1970
4) "If we've learned any lessons during the past few decades, perhaps the most important is that preservation of our environment is not a partisan challenge; it's common sense. Our physical health, our social happiness, and our economic well-being will be sustained only by all of us working in partnership as thoughtful, effective stewards of our natural resources."
- 40th US President Ronald Reagan (1911 - 2004) in Remarks on signing annual report of Council on Environmental Quality, July 11, 1984
5) "The environment is God's gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations, and towards humanity as a whole."
- Pope Benedict XVI (1927 - ) Encyclical Caritas in Veritate, June 29, 2009
and last BUT not the least,
6) "No generation has a free hold on this earth. All we have is a life tenancy--with a full repairing lease."
- Margaret Thatcher(1925 - ) in Speech to Conservative Party Conference, October 14, 1988
In my next post, I'd like to begin with the deplorable state of the environment which is deteriorating at an alarming pace as a result increasing environmental changes like deforestation, desert encroachment, oil spills and its dire consequences leading to loss of farmland (as applicable in deforestation too), loss livelihood for the fishermen and improper balance in wildlife and sea creatures in their native habitats and ecosystems.
Honestly, this is a very broad topic which some may not find interesting nor want to participate in BUT it would be in our best interest to give it some thought and let's find lasting solutions or alternatives to some of our environmental issues-gas flaring in Bonny, oil spillages in Ogoniland of great magnitude and so on. So until we chat again next week, have a great weekend guys and cheers.
I leave you with a few notable quotes from VIPs worldwide with regards to our environment:
1) "Nature is not something to be fought, conquered and changed according to any human whims. To some extent, of course, it has to be used. But what man should seek in regard to nature is not a complete domination but a modus vivendi - that is, a manner of living together, a coming to terms with something that was here before our time and will be here after it. The important corollary of this doctrine, it seems to me, is that man is not the lord of creation, with an omnipotent will, but a part of creation, with limitations, who ought to observe a decent humility in the face of the inscrutable."
-American Conservative scholar Richard M. Weaver(1910 - 1963) in The Southern Essays, pages 220 and 221
2) "As we peer into society's future, we - you and I, and our government - must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering for, for our own ease and convenience, the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage."
- Ex-US President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890 - 1969) in his Farewell Address to the Nation, January 17, 1961.
3) "We still think of air as free. But clean air is not free, and neither is clean water. The price tag on pollution control is high. Through our years of past carelessness we incurred a debt to nature, and now that debt is being called."
- 37th American President Richard Nixon(1913 - 1994) in Annual Message to Congress on the State of the Union, 1970
4) "If we've learned any lessons during the past few decades, perhaps the most important is that preservation of our environment is not a partisan challenge; it's common sense. Our physical health, our social happiness, and our economic well-being will be sustained only by all of us working in partnership as thoughtful, effective stewards of our natural resources."
- 40th US President Ronald Reagan (1911 - 2004) in Remarks on signing annual report of Council on Environmental Quality, July 11, 1984
5) "The environment is God's gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations, and towards humanity as a whole."
- Pope Benedict XVI (1927 - ) Encyclical Caritas in Veritate, June 29, 2009
and last BUT not the least,
6) "No generation has a free hold on this earth. All we have is a life tenancy--with a full repairing lease."
- Margaret Thatcher(1925 - ) in Speech to Conservative Party Conference, October 14, 1988
Saturday 18 February 2012
Philanthropy and Prince Tonye Princewill
We are in an era where people are demanding for change in virtually all sectors of the economy. We are witnessing the rebirth of notable personalities from different parts of the country vying for the Mantle of Leadership in order to ensure that the change most of us crave for becomes a reality.
One thing I like about the English Language is that it has a large vocabulary which even its owners are yet to fully comprehend. For me, Philanthropy is all about, “doing good for the sake of humanity”; but if you take a back seat and pose this question, “What is Philanthropy about in Nigeria?”, I bet you are going to have different interpretations.
For the layman living out there in the streets and trying to survive via relentless, tireless, hard work, he may not be bothered about the topic but for those with some form of education, Philanthropy which ought to be executed for the good of humanity is viewed by many as “a means to an end” in the country. It is worth noting that some leaders or crème de la crème of society appear to be “nice and lovey dovey” when trying to garner support from the public for one project or the other after which the story changes. What do you think?
With regards to the man, Prince Tonye Princewill and his ever growing strings of philanthropic gestures, where do we place him? He isn’t just a Crown Prince of his people as well as an astute businessman; he is a leader in the making. I first heard of the name Prince Tonye Princewill when I noticed his gubernatorial posters all over the town back then in 2006/7 and have to admit during his initial attempt for the State’s Hot Seat, I often wondered, “Will THEY give this man a CHANCE?.” I later met him online when I joined FB in 2009 and in person recently. I’ve asked myself countless times how this man combines looking after his business affairs, his people, political interests, numerous charitable activities AND still make out time for family and self-interests- I guess he must be extremely good at multi-tasking.
There is no denying that his level of philanthropy is continually on the rise but people are going to interpret it differently. Whatsoever their feelings are, we are supposed to be living in a democratic society and airing our views is necessary for the much sought after change to occur. A key part of that change requires keeping people well informed which is what Prince TP has been doing via the social media and “open door policy”.
Now I’m throwing this question to you all, “Are we going to give this man a chance to steer us closer to the path of sincere change?” Whether we like the Prince’s mode of operation or not, “this digital icon” is going to be around for the long ride. So the floor’s open guys, please feel free to comment. Take care and Cheers y’all.
Our Pensioners Need The Respect 2
Hello. After my post yesterday, I went home to do more thinking. I abhorred Politics until I had to wake up from my slumber and smell the roses despite the stench around us. For me it grew interesting during the era of former governor Sir(Dr.) Peter Odili up to when the present governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chubuike Amaechi was to contest gubernatorial elections and all the ensuing ‘drama’.
I resigned from my job in 2005 because a loved one needed TLC while on medical treatment abroad. The Rivers State government denied our plea for financial assistance despite dad putting in almost 4 decades of medical service. Nevertheless, they say “God opens a door when one close” and our loved one survived. Dad may be gone but at least he isn’t around to see the continued filth in a system he disliked irrespective of the fact that he tried to contribute his quota to the service of humanity.
I brought this personal experience up because until recently I’d been jobless for almost 7years. I could have joined the Civil Service but the treatment of pensioners put me off. I can cage my anger from the outside world but never you insult my folks to my hearing otherwise, Tamuno belema \ Chukwu nna biko unu nye m ebele, I may not be physically endowed with strength BUT I’ve got a mouth and Hell Hath No Fury...
I may sound like a broken record, I may be accused of whining too much but my people if I may quote a beloved and renowned American Poet, Maya Angelou, “truth brings the past into the present and prepares us for the future. That’s what truth is.” My people the sooner we look into this the better. I agree that there are other pending issues but at the end of the day, we all will get to the Pensions Board or some Pension Scheme.
A proffered short term solution could be government providing photocopiers free of charge (to ease the already stressed pockets of the elderly) and utilize the assistance of Youth Corpers during the few days of either State or Federal Pensions payment or audit. These young men and women can be taught to operate the machines and assist our parents to find seats, sort and arrange their documents, read out instructions to them and fill out forms for them if permitted as well as other little things we take for granted. My people, little things count.
Long term solution would involve negotiations with government, pensioners, social and health workers and so on. My people it is said, “A word is enough for the wise.” Make we hear word oh!
Happy Weekend. Cheers.
Our Pensioners Need the Respect 1
I am one of the many Nigerians that have secretly belittled my country and state-Rivers State-in particular. I used argue that our governor ain't doing much for the unemployed as well as our aged parents- The Pensioners- in our state BUT with regards to the younger generation, I've had a little change of heart.
Nevertheless before I get there I need to plead with the powers that be to have a rethink with regards to The Pensioners. On a number of occasions, I've had the chance of accompanying my late father to either pick up his pension or just reporting to The Secretariat for Pensions Audit with The Abuja Team.
Now how does it sound to the ordinary man and people in corridors of power that Mr A who retired from Rivers State with pension of =N=3000.00 be asked to come down all the way from Kafanchan for audit when his transport fare in this Era of Fuel subsidy stress etc would cost him an awful lot of kudi, owo, ego? Haba! Why can't we copy certain good modes of operation of some advanced countries?
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