By Omotosho Victor Fiyinfoluwa (SIWES student, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti)
The Akwa Ibom state government is cautioning residents, especially farmers, against the practice of bush burning to mitigate preventable fire outbreaks.
Dr. Offiong Offor, the Commissioner for Agriculture Rural Development, emphasized this message during a news conference in Uyo on Wednesday, highlighting the risks associated with bush burning, including air pollution and property destruction.
She noted that while bush burning might have been a traditional method for land preparation, it poses significant environmental and agricultural threats, such as the destruction of beneficial soil organisms.
Dr. Offor urged farmers and hunters to abandon this practice, advocating for alternative methods like using dry leaves for mulching to enrich the soil with nutrients.
Expressing concern over recent fire incidents linked to bush burning, Dr. Offor emphasized the ministry’s collaboration with community leaders and local government officials to raise awareness about its dangers.
She urged community members to report instances of bush burning to the ministry for appropriate intervention and prevention measures.
