@ Information Department IMHA
Imo, House of Assembly has called for the ban in the use of styrofoam in the state because of its health implications.The call for the ban of styrofoam sprang from a Motion sponsored by the member for Aboh -Mbaise State Constituency and Minority Leader of the tenth Imo State House of Assembly Hon Princewill Amuchie , the Motion titled “Motion To Urge The Governor of Imo State His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma CON, To Direct The Ministry Of Health And Other Relevant Agencies To Ban The Production, Distribution, and Use Of Styrofoam In Imo State Because Of Its Health Implications, ” and Co-sponsored by 10 other members namely :
- Hon. Clinton Amadi
- Hon. Chisom Ojukwu
- Hon. Kingsley Ozurumba
- Hon. Henry Agbasonu
- Rt. Hon. Chyna Amara Iwuanyanwu
- Hon. Samuel Ogbunikpa
- Hon. Samuel Otuibe
- Hon. Johnson Duru Iheonukara
- Hon. Bernard Ozoemena
- Hon. Ikenna Ihezuo
Hon Princewill Amuchie began by explaining the harmful components and compositions used in the production of styrofoam expressing fears about the harmful effects of the substances on the human body and system.
The House Minority Leader said carbon and hydrogen, which are all biotoxicants and biodegradable chemicals, were the major components in the production of styrofoam.
Hon Princewill Amuchie explained that the composition of carbon and hydrogen in the production of styrofoam was the root cause of various degrees of cancer, neurological and nervous problems well as respiratory and cardiovascular challenges faced by citizens of the State.
He further stated that styrofoam which is popularly used in the packaging of food at various public functions as well as used in the sale and packaging of other consumables such as fruits and quick foods is also responsible for ecological pollution in air and water and threatens the aquatic life and the blocking of sewages.
Hon. Ugochukwu disclosed that the awareness of the hazardous effects of the styrofoam was first declared by the World Health Organization ( WHO)as well as other first world nations .
He opinionated that America and China have taken center stage in the deliberation and campaign against the use of styrofoam, which has been brought to the attention of the public and have prompted the Lagos State Government to ban styrofoam production and usage in the state.
The chief sponsor of the motion advocated for a widespread awareness and sensitization campaign against the production, distribution, and use of styrofoam in safeguarding the health of the citizens.
Speaking in support of the motion, Hon. Chisom Ojukwu of Nkwerre state constituency who seconded the motion, stated that he rose to second the motion with a mixed feeling as he pondered on those who have lost their lives and those who are on the verge of having their lives snatched from them because of the health implications of this very styrofoam product.
He encouraged the sponsor of the motion to bring it in the form of a bill as he advised Hon. Ugochukwu Amuchie to expunge the section, which says a task force be put in place to monitor and enforce the ban describing as duplication of responsibility when the Consumer Protection Commission is saddled with such responsibility.
The Member for Ohaji Egbema Hon. Francis Osuoha said styrofoam contains a dangerous chemical that causes impaired or loss of vision, nervous system failure, and cancer.
According to Hon. Henry Agbasonu of Ezinihitte State Constituency, who is unequivocal, that styrofoam contains synthetic polymers made from petroleum products and is harmful to human consumption while urging the Governor to act quickly to save the citizens of the State.
Other members who contributed to the well-applauded discussion include Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie ( Mbaitoli) and Hon. Dominic Ezerioha ( Oru West) applauded the the chief sponsor for the motion is people-oriented and urged the government to act quickly to save the citizens of the State.
The Speaker Rt Hon, Chike Olemgbe, put the question on the following prayers, which were unanimously adopted by members
- Be it resolved by this Honorable House to urge the Governor of Imo State to direct the Ministry of Health and other Relevant agencies to ban the use of styrofoam in Imo State because of its Health Implications.
- Be it also resolved by this Honorable House that the use of alternative eco-friendly material such as biodegradable packaging products and reusable material be encouraged in the state.
- Be it further resolved that a public awareness campaign for the justification of the ban of the use of styrofoam in Imo State be launched to educate the citizens on the hazards of styrofoam and importance of adopting environmentally friendly practices, and a taskforce to monitor and enforce the ban of this material be put in place.
The Clerk Chinelo Emeghara Esq was directed to communicate the resolution of the House to His Excellency , the Governor of Imo State.
