By Victor Lewis
The Federal Government has assured the people of Ugbokodo in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, of its readiness to address the age-long ecological challenges facing community, with a promise to swiftly intervene to tackle the coastline erosion, flooding, and environmental degradation.
While addressing the request of the delegation, the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, restated the Federal Government’s resolve to confront the persistent ecological crisis affecting residents of the area, adding that concrete steps will be taken to address the worsening environmental ecological crisis affecting the oil-producing community.
The high-powered delegation from Okpe Kingdom which was led by His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, at his office in Abuja included
Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency.
Others are Chief Clifford Kpikpini; Chief Napoleon Akpobecha; Chief Bright Igbako; and Chief Engr. J.O. Ebireri. They collectively stressed the urgency of federal intervention to prevent further loss of land and property.
Senator Akume while commending the Orodje for his leadership and service, assured that the Federal Government will direct its efforts towards addressing Ugbokodo’s environmental challenges, adding that the delegation’s concerns was legitimate and deserving of urgent attention, just as he promised serious consideration and tangible action.
Speaking at the occasion, Senator Dafinone emphasized the importance of environmental justice for host communities, stating that sustainable development cannot be achieved when communities fueling the nation’s economy remain vulnerable to ecological disasters. He pledged to work with federal agencies to ensure Ugbokodo receives the protection and remediation it urgently needs.
The aim of the August visit on the SGF was to draw the attention of the Federal government to the worsening shoreline erosion and environmental degradation threatening lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure in Ugbokodo, Ugbokodo – an oil and gas-producing community that has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s oil wealth.
The engagement marks a renewed push by Okpe Kingdom and Delta Central stakeholders to secure federal support for shoreline protection and environmental sustainability, reinforcing their resolve to pursue community protection, environmental justice, and long-term development for the oil-producing and host communities in the Niger Delta.
COMMENTS