A Non-Governmental Organization, Itsekiri Environmental Protection Initiative, IEPI, has demanded the inclusion of shore protection projects for Itsekiri Coastal Communities in the 2025 budgets of the Federal and Delta State Governments, saying many Itsekiri communities in Warri South-West and Warri North Local Government Areas, are being washed away by Ocean Surge.
The group, which has been in the forefront of the struggle to find lasting solution to the yearslong devastation suffered by Itsekiri communities such as Ogheye, Orere, Ago-Gboro, Ode-Ugborodo, Aja-Udiabo, and Ogidigben, made the demand in a press statement made available to newsmen in Warri, Delta State, Friday November 15.
In the statement, which was signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary of IEPI, Ojumude Tosan Bishop and Egere Weyinmi, respectively, the organization noted that the demand was after their most recent on-site visit to the affected areas, Wednesday November 13, 2024.
The statement, reads: “Our organization, some time ago in July, raised the alarm of Ocean surge affecting Ogheye and Orere via news media. This led to the Office of Sole Representative to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR to NNPCL and her JV partners, to respond by sending relief materials, went on-site assessment accompanied by reps of IEPI and geared advocacy on the ocean surge predicament.
“Later on, state representatives led by Hon. Fred Martins visited the area. Nevertheless, we are yet to get positive feedback in terms of finding lasting solution to the re-occurrence year in and year out, other than unfulfilled promises from the government of the day at all levels.
“Given the contribution of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality to the Nigeria economy, via crude oil exploration quantum, we therefore for the sake of sustainable solution to this menace, use this medium to call for inclusion of the protection of all Ocean surge affected communities of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality in the 2025 budget of both the Delta State and Federal Government of Nigeria”.
They added: “We have set up an internal impact assessment committee, to give professional insight of causes (climate change, crude oil exploration, etc.), negative impacts and sustainable solutions.”
Copyright: Fresh Angle International (www.freshangleng.com)
ISSN 2354 - 4104
Sponsored Ad
Our strategic editorial policy of promoting journalism, anchored on the tripod of originality, speed and efficiency, would be further enhanced with your financial support.
Your kind contribution, to our desire to become a big global brand, should be credited to our account:
Fresh Angle Nig. Ltd
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 0130931842.
BANK GTB.
×
![]()