The residents of Federal Housing Estate Sharada, Kano State, have expressed profound appreciation and gratitude to the Director General (DG)/Chief Executive of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Professor Innocent Bariate Barikor, for his prompt and sincere response to their long-standing complaints over environmental pollution and health hazards allegedly caused by the activities of Fortune Rice Mill, Salable Rice Mill, and Salasar Enterprises Co. Ltd.
The residents described the DG’s intervention as a major relief and a sign of hope after years of persistent complaints and suffering without meaningful action from relevant authorities.
According to the community members, thousands of residents have for several years endured severe environmental challenges, including excessive dust, offensive odor, and dangerous air pollution emanating from the rice factories, leading to serious health complications and forcing some families to abandon their homes for safety reasons.
The community noted that despite several complaints made over the past five years to various government agencies and previous authorities, little or no concrete action was taken to address the situation and safeguard the health and lives of innocent residents, especially women and children.
They further commended Professor Barikor for demonstrating leadership, compassion, courage, and commitment towards protecting public health and the environment by treating the matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.
The residents also expressed confidence in the integrity and transparency of the ongoing process and appealed to the Director General to ensure that only competent, honest, and incorruptible officials handle the investigation so that justice can prevail without interference or compromise.
The people of the community described Professor Innocent Bariate Barikor as a God-fearing, upright, and dedicated public servant who carries out his responsibilities without fear or favor, while prioritizing the protection of human lives and the environment.
The residents therefore reaffirmed their full support and cooperation with NESREA throughout the investigation process and expressed optimism that the intervention of the agency under the leadership of Professor Barikor will finally bring lasting solutions to the environmental and health challenges affecting the communities.
