The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun in Uvwie LGA of Delta State, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh has warned that coastal communities in Akasa LGA of Bayelsa State will be overtaken by flood in the next 10 years if nothing is done to provide shore protection for the area.
While noting that farmlands will be overtaken by flood, Rim-Rukeh said, “Akasa Local Government in Bayelsa will be no more in the next 10 years. I predict there will be conflict.”
He made the prediction at a one day media capacity building programme organised by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, and Chevron Nigeria Limited JV in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Warri Correspondents Chapel.
Rim-Rukeh, who spoke on the topic, ‘Environmental degradation in the Niger Delta: Responsibilities of the Mass Media in the 21st Century’, pointed out that the Bayelsa State government and the public are aware of the issue.
He reminded journalists of their roles in helping to safeguard the environment by creating awareness through their reportage to ensure that “environmental behavioral changes” are adhered to.
Bayelsa coastal communities will be extinct in next 10 years – FUPRE VC, Prof Rim-Rukeh