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The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to address the persistent ecological challenges confronting Ugbokodo community in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, pledging concrete and swift intervention to tackle shoreline erosion, flooding and environmental degradation in the oil-producing host community.
The assurance was given on Tuesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, when he received a delegation from Okpe Kingdom led by the Orodje of Okpe, Felix Mujakperuo, at his office in Abuja.
The delegation included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, alongside other political and community leaders.
Akume, while addressing the delegation, commended the monarch for his leadership and service, noting that the Federal Government was not deliberately neglecting the ecological plight of Ugbokodo.
He described the concerns raised as legitimate and deserving of urgent attention, assuring the delegation that the matter would receive serious consideration with a view to ensuring tangible action.
The visit, it was gathered, was aimed at drawing the Federal Government’s attention to the worsening shoreline erosion and environmental degradation that have for years threatened lives, livelihoods and infrastructure in the coastal community.
Despite its status as an oil-producing host community, residents of Ugbokodo have continued to grapple with flooding and coastal encroachment, leading to loss of land and property.
Speaking during the meeting, Dafinone stressed the need for environmental justice for host communities, stating that sustainable development could not be achieved if communities that contribute to the nation’s oil wealth were left vulnerable to ecological disasters.
He pledged to work closely with relevant federal agencies to ensure that Ugbokodo receives the necessary shoreline protection and remediation.
Other members of the delegation included Hon. Benedict Etanabene; Chief Clifford Kpikpini; Chief Napoleon Akpobecha; Chief Bright Igbako; and Chief Engr. J.O. Ebireri. They emphasised the urgency of federal intervention to prevent further environmental damage.
The engagement marks a renewed effort by stakeholders in Okpe Kingdom and Delta Central to secure Federal Government support for shoreline protection and environmental sustainability in Ugbokodo.
