Environment – Jilomes

Only One Earth: To Protect or Not

June 21, 2022 Jilomes

“In some cases, in order to protect global issues, some sacrifice for national interest is worth it in the long run”
Dalai Lama

For this year’s World Environment Day, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) chose to repeat an instructive theme first used five decades ago. “Only One Earth” reinforces the message that we need to protect the earth because it is the only liveable planet we currently have. In light of this, the Dalai Lama’s quote above would appear germane, especially as it was made in reference to climate issues. However, recent developments worsened by the Russo-Ukrainian war makes one wonder if the main proponents of the fight against climate change really have their mouths where their heart is.

Continue reading →

Change, Politics

Lessons from Ogoniland

June 10, 2016June 10, 2016 Jilomes

In 1956, Nigeria joined the league of oil producing nations with the drilling of its first commercial oil well at Oloibiri in present-day Bayelsa State. This achievement was the climax of exploratory activities that began about half a century before then. The oil wells gushed out dollar notes for the nation and the oil companies. While the vested interests basked in the euphoria of rapidly swelling bank accounts, no thought was spared for the printing press that continually pumped out the dollars. Now the chickens have come to roost. Continue reading “Lessons from Ogoniland” →