Ecological problems-Nigeria - The Federal Government said it is going to focus on emerging trends to tackle ecological problems during the 2011 Ecological Fair (Eco-Fair). Permanent Secretary of the Ecological Fund Office (EFO), Dr. McJohn Nwaobiala, said the government is inviting experts and other environment stakeholders for this year's eco-fair to look at better ways of managing ecological problems across the globe that could be applied to Nigeria. Speaking at a press briefing on the 2011 eco-fair slated for Thursday, October 27-28 in Abuja, Dr. Nwaobiala said "The fair is intended to increase public awareness on the myriads of ecological problems confronting our country and to enlighten the public on efforts by the federal Government and other stakeholders in addressing such problems."

He also spoke on the recent N11.5 billion committed into 15 ecological projects in the South East which he said is a "good example of projects being executed by government to tackle ecological problems in Nigeria."

He said the ecological fund office gets about N3 billion every month into its account at the Central bank of Nigeria and is signed for releases by the President whenever ecological projects are approved through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) or in cases of emergency of any ecological problem.

The eco-fair tagged 'Eco solutions for sustainable development was earlier planned to hold 22-23 of last month but was postponed to the recent date.

Tina A. Hassan

Daily Trust/26/10/2011