Assessing the Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of Kpofire Syndrome in Niger Delta Communities: Assessing the Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of Kpofire Syndrome

Joyce Austen Onyekuru; Augustina Ashionye-Obah Obamwonyi; Osakue Stevenson Omoera

Authors

Joyce Austen Onyekuru Department of Theatre and Film Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8313-8821
Augustina Ashionye-Obah Obamwonyi Department of Theatre and Film Studies Faculty of Humanities, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6088-4274
Osakue Stevenson Omoera Department of Theatre and Film Studies Faculty of Humanities, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1086-7874

Keywords:

Environmental Impacts, Kpofire Syndrome, Niger Delta Communities, Socio-Economic Impacts

Abstract

The research studied the impact of kpofire syndrome on the socio-economic and environmental situation of selected Kolo Creek communities (KCCs) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria to highlight its ignitable status and how it can best be communicated to the inhabitants as well as the larger society through local media channels for possible remediation. Employing Everett Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DIT), the paper used mixed research methods of the historical-analytic, key person interview (KPI), and survey to gather relevant data. Fifty (50) respondents were randomly selected and administered with copies of questionnaire using Likert Scale in the Kolo Creek communities of Imiringi, Emeyal 1, Emeyal 11, Emeyal III, Elebele, and Otuasega. The study unfurled kpofire historically as a concept that came into existence as a result of the actions of artisanal refiners identified as 'creek dwellers' who illegally refined crude oil into petrol and left in its wake carcinogenic hydrocarbon soot in the air that endangered flora and fauna in the ecosystem. The kpofire syndrome has subjected the people of the KCCs under investigation to serious health issues, poverty, underdevelopment, and socio-economic losses over the years despite efforts by well-meaning private and government agencies to nip it in the bud. The study found that kpofire was a lucrative business for the 'creek dwellers' but had negatively affected the people of Kolo Creek communities. Consequently, it recommended a genuine collaborative effort by all stakeholders to checkmate the nefarious kpofire syndrome. In doing this, relevant legislation, advocacy, and training should be designed and implemented by concerned authorities to allow for modular refining. This would empower and enlighten the illegal refiners to become responsible business people and, in turn, contribute to the socio-economic wellbeing of the KCCs and guarantee a sustainable environment and living.

Author Biographies

Joyce Austen Onyekuru, Department of Theatre and Film Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Joyce Austen Onyekuru, PhD, is a Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. She is an RNTC Netherlands trained Broadcast Journalist and an emerging Scholar. She has published articles in both local and international Journals. Her research interests lie at the intersection of Theatre Studies, Media Communication, Film and Educational Theatre. Some of her ongoing research projects include: “Gluteal Augmentation in Nollywood: Haematological Changes, Medical Risks and Economic Implications for Nigerian Women” and “Minimalism and Performance Elements in Dike Chukwumerije’s Poetry”. Dr Joyce is known for her innovative approach to teaching and is dedicated to fostering critical thinking and creativity in her students.

Augustina Ashionye-Obah Obamwonyi , Department of Theatre and Film Studies Faculty of Humanities, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Augustina Ashionye-Obah Obamwonyi PhD is a lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at the Faculty of Humanities, Federal University Otuoke in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Her passion for teaching stems from her upbringing by parents who were educators, instilling in her a deep appreciation for knowledge dissemination and academic growth. As an early career researcher, she is committed to making significant contributions to knowledge production in her field. Her research interests are in Performance Studies, Dramatic Theory and Criticism, and Film. Through her teaching and research endeavours, she aims not only to expand her own knowledge but dedicated to shaping the minds of students and contributing meaningfully to the academia.

Osakue Stevenson Omoera, Department of Theatre and Film Studies Faculty of Humanities, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Prof. Osakue Stevenson OMOERA, Ph.D, is at the leading edge of knowledge generation and dissemination, with specific reference to Nigerian (African) Studies. The foci of his research have been on three main planks: Nollywood studies, with emphasis on ethnic films; Media sociology, with emphasis on the social impacts of the media in developing areas of the world, including Nigeria; and Cultural dynamics, with emphasis on theatre and African performance studies. Omoera is credited to have pioneered scholarly inquiry into the Benin video-film segment of Nollywood studies. As well, he developed the "Active Volcano Paradigm" for the study of English as a language of mass communication, with reference to broadcast media news in Nigeria.

Assessing the Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of Kpofire Syndrome in Niger Delta Communities