The Ijaw Publishers Forum, IPF, on Wednesday said that natural resources and the environment must be protected for future generations.
The IPF added that, “We must stop oil theft and environmental pollution, which have destroyed fishing and farming activities and livelihoods in the Niger Delta region.”
The IPF National President, Austin Ozobo, made the call at the 2nd Annual Ijaw Media Conference held in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The theme of this year’s Ijaw Media Conference is, “Safeguarding the Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations.”
The IPF stated, “We must equally stop deforestation and the waste of other forest resources. Our resources are our future. Our environment is our wealth. Pollution does not just affect our environment; it shortens our lifespan.
“Stealing our crude oil or sabotaging facilities is equivalent to stealing our common wealth, invariably creating poverty, unemployment, and a lack of opportunities in our region.”
According to the IPF, “This message largely concerns oil exploration companies. International Oil Companies (IOCs) and indigenous oil companies’ management should stop exploitation and deliberate environmental pollution if our well-being is to be prioritised.”
IPF urges end to oil theft, deforestation in Niger Delta
