Dry seasons always record the highest cases of bush burning in Nigeria but with a lot of talks and enlightenment by climate activists and other stakeholders (I have done a lot of that), I was expecting a reduction in the number of bush burnings but nothing seems to have changed. In fact, it what I see now appear even more reckless with long stretches of farms burnt here and there seemingly without caution.

The one that struck me most was in my University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, where I was surprised to see a lot of bush burning going on and even allegedly destroying some experimental farms. In fact, because of the immense burning there, you find a visible cloud of smoke hovering around the school?s atmosphere in the evenings saying a lot about the state of the air there. I observed that it was being carried out by labourers who were hired to clear or trim the bushes and once they set the fire, you won?t find them around but they were obviously not alone in it.

Unable to stomach this, I moved to inquire from the university authorities if they are aware and/or in support of what was happening. So, I got in touch with the Director of my University radio who after my explanation expressed the same worry and suggested that I hear from the University Director of Communications, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, and we I got in touch with him immediately. We then agreed on an interview appointment this evening on the issue for my University Radio.

So, I arrived the interview venue and recorded all he said about the university position on it. He said the university though aware of the situation, does not know who and who is behind the bush burning but the Vice Chancellor has directed the Chief Security Officer of the University to arrest any person found burning bushes and that the Security department is on top of the situation mounting surveillance to see if any culprit will be arrested.

When I asked if he could confirm an alleged damage of a bee hive, the spokesperson of the University said he does not have all the information but acknowledged that it could be a possibility as the university has many demonstration farms which could easily be affected with the aid of the dry weather. He repeated the stern warning of the university or people to desist for bush burning of any sorts as the university lands are not to be burnt.

I have just reported the news to the university radio station with the voice insert and it will run through the entire six news slots on Monday.

I am so happy with the university position and will continue my advocacy from there. I will be doing a radio jingle to that effect in the new week and I hope Nigerians understand the dangers of bush burning from these.