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Transcript/ScriptNIGERIA LIFE EXPECTANCY (TV)
HEADLINE: Nigeria Authorities Raise Concerns Over Low Life Expectancy
TEASER:
PUBLISHED AT: 01/26/2022, 7:46p
BYLINE: Timothy Obiezu
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
VIDEOGRAPHER: Emeka Gibson
VIDEO EDITOR:
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: BR, Bowman
VIDEO SOURCE (S): All VOA
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _x_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:32
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES:))
((INTRO))
[[Nigerian health authorities say the country's life expectancy is among the worst in the world, with influenza and pneumonia both leading causes of death. In Nigeria's Cross River state, severe air pollution is increasing the cases of respiratory disease — as Timothy Obiezu reports from Port Harcourt, Nigeria.]]
((NARRATOR))
Before leaving for work each day, Port Harcourt resident David Tolu-Adamu wears his face mask to filter out the sooty, polluted air.
((David Tolu-Adamu, Port Harcourt Resident)) ((In English))
"Constantly, on a daily basis — year in, year out — we have issues with black soot. We breathe in this harmful substance day in, day out in our sleep, while we work, when we exercise."
((NARRATOR))
Wearing a face mask has been a practice here long before the coronavirus pandemic began. That’s because the air in this Nigerian city has long been polluted by the activities of illegal oil refiners, flaring gas, and tire and refuse burning.
Health authorities say the soot in the air is increasing respiratory ailments in the state — some 23,000 cases in the last five years.
State authorities have begun addressing the problem in the affected areas, says a local government head.
((Samuel Nwanosike, Ikwerre Local Government Chairman)) ((In English, 20 secs))
"If the actions were not affecting our health, then we won't bother. //// We are the ones here, we are the ones dying, we’re the ones feeling the pain. I am here every day in Ikwerre local government (area), sometimes I open my door, everywhere is turned dark. Meanwhile, there's supposed to be sunshine.”
((NARRATOR))
Nigerian health authorities say the country's life expectancy, at 54 years, is among the lowest in the world.
Respiratory illnesses such as influenza and pneumonia are a leading cause of death. Globally, almost 300,000 people died from these illnesses in 2018, according to W-H-O estimates cited by the group World Life Expectancy.
Rivers State authorities blame soot pollution for worsening the problem — and since the start of this year, have cracked down illegal refinery operators. More than 20 illegal refiners have been arrested and their bases shut down.
But critics accuse state authorities of not doing enough to curb pollution.
((Ibiosiya Sukubo, Ijaw National Congress Publicity Secretary)) ((In English, secs))
"The government is only interested in the proceeds of oil and gas, but they are not interested in the people. They're not interested in the environment."
((NARRATOR))
For now, Rivers State authorities say they will continue their crackdown on illegal refineries while looking for other ways to keep residents safe from the soot.
((Timothy Obiezu, for VOA News, Port Harcourt, Nigeria))
NewsML Media TopicsLifestyle and Leisure
Topic TagsNigeria
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateJanuary 26, 2022 21:36 EST
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
