By Rashidat Oladele
Senator Seriake Dickson, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, has emphasized the urgent need for the Federal Government to address the concerning environmental degradation taking place within the country.
Senator Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West, conveyed this message on Wednesday during an event where he was honored by the Global Initiative for Climate and Environmental Sustenance (GICES) with the “Excellence in Environmental Leadership Award 2023.”
The award recognized his contributions and leadership in maintaining a healthy environment during his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State.
Reflecting on his experiences as governor, Senator Dickson shared, “I grew increasingly concerned by the ongoing environmental degradation in Bayelsa, witnessing firsthand the devastating effects on communities, livelihoods, and lives. In response, I established a distinguished international commission of inquiry comprised of political and world leaders, along with esteemed experts and scientists from around the globe.”
He recounted the commission’s comprehensive investigation, which involved visits to communities, collection of samples from spill sites, and even the analysis of blood samples from the people of Bayelsa.
The findings were unsettling, revealing high levels of heavy metals in the bodies of residents due to years of exposure to polluted water and contaminated fish.
Despite facing resistance from oil companies, Senator Dickson stood firm in his pursuit of justice.
He expressed his willingness to challenge these companies for the well-being of his constituents and the environment, stating, “I embraced this fight for justice, regardless of their opposition.”
Senator Dickson expressed confidence that the government is continuing the efforts he initiated, urging Nigerians to familiarize themselves with the comprehensive report that documents decades of pollution in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta region.
He also called attention to the deforestation crisis and appealed to federal, state, and local governments, as well as agencies, to address the reckless destruction of trees.
The GICES highlighted Senator Dickson’s commitment to environmental preservation during his tenure as governor.
His multi-faceted approach included employing 250 graduates as forest protection officers to monitor deforestation and initiating an International Commission on Oil Spills.
This commission, which comprised renowned figures such as the former President of Ghana and the Archbishop of York, assessed environmental damages and developed a new legal framework for accountability and compensation in the oil industry.
As the call for environmental preservation and action against degradation echoes, Senator Dickson’s efforts serve as an inspiration for proactive environmental stewardship and the need for collaborative efforts to combat the challenges posed by climate change and environmental destruction.