****348,223 Linear Meters to Be Cleared
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has commenced a massive desilting and evacuation exercise to clear blocked drainages and culverts spanning 348,223 linear meters across its 10 mandate states.
This was disclosed by the Acting Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Mr. Jimoh Haruna Gabi, during the flag-off ceremony held at the GYB Model Secondary School, Adankolo in Lokoja, Kogi State, as part of activities marking the 2025 World Environment Day (WED).
The exercise, he explained, is aimed at preventing township flooding and improving water flow in key communities vulnerable to environmental degradation, particularly in areas affected by hydroelectric power operations.
“The health of our environment is directly linked to the health and future of our people,” Gabi stated.
“This year’s theme, Beat Plastic Pollution, is a timely call to action. Our Commission, saddled with the crucial responsibility of managing the ecological impact of hydro dams and power activities, is fully committed to building environmental resilience in power-producing areas.”
He acknowledged the unique environmental challenges faced by host communities, including flooding, soil degradation, and displacement caused by hydro dam operations. To mitigate these, Gabi highlighted a series of eco-friendly initiatives being implemented by the Commission, including:
Construction of flood control structures in Benue, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, and other vulnerable states.
Establishment of tree seedlings nurseries in all 10 N-HYPPADEC states, with an annual production capacity of one million seedlings.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Salihu Danlami Musa of the Federal University Lokoja emphasized that plastic itself is not the problem, but the way it is used.
“We created this crisis, and we have the power to end it,” he said, urging society to adopt the 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and above all, Reimagine a future without plastic pollution.
Also speaking, Arc. Dr. Ekele Thompson Ochedi, Chairman of the Nigerian Environmental Society, Kogi State Chapter, described plastic pollution as a global challenge.
“Plastic is in the food we eat, the water we drink, and even in our bodies as microplastics. A study has shown that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans.”
He called for collective global action and systemic change, urging individuals, industries, organizations, and governments to adopt sustainable practices.
The World Environment Day celebration continues with tree planting campaigns and sensitization efforts to foster environmental consciousness and resilience in the face of ecological threats.