Ondo Govt Seeks International Assistance To Curtail Sea Incursion

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has disclosed that the issue of sea incursion, which has almost ravaged the entire Aiyetoro community, in Ilaje local government, is receiving international attention.

Most communities in the coastal area of the state have been confronted with the problem of sea incursion, but that of Aiyetoro has been devastating with almost entire land mass submerged.

The Niger/ Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) has in the past awarded contract for dredging and embarkment to curtail the trend but the scourge continues

The State Commissioner for information, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, announced in Akure that “The issue of Ayetoro, is on the front burner, we are in talks with the European Union.

“When I was at the United Nations General Assembly in September, I spoke on the devastation wrought by climate change, with Ayetoro as target. I asked for help for Ondo state and we are going to get it.”

She spoke on behalf of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at an Africa Oil leadership award.

On environmental issues,  Ademola-Olateju  stressed that the present administration takes the issue of environmental degradation seriously.

She said productive steps are being taken to address the issue of Sea incursion in Ayetoro community in the Southern part of the state.

“I understand the degradation, the environmental destruction of the ecosystem of oil producing communities. This has been subsisting for long, you will recall, this is cause that Ken Saro Wiwa died for. It did not start today but we are committed to solving ours.”

She said it is on record that the country has been producing about 16 million barrel per day since five years ago, shortfall due to oil theft, reducing income therefrom. Ondo State has been spending its share prudently.

On revenue from oil, the commissioner stated that the present administration is highly accountable, transparent and follow due process.

“I do not know about the past, but I know about the present, that everyone in this government is wholeheartedly committed to using public fund for public goods.

“I, as a commissioner, I do not know how it is easy or possible to steal money. My approval limit is 999.999 thousand naira and Mr Governor’s approval limit is 20 million naira.

“On contracts, there is benchmark price for every procurement from from the Bureau of Public Procurement. Mr. Governor cannot approve contracts exceeding his limit without bringing the contract to the Executive Council.”

She reiterated the commitment of the state government to pay inherited salary arrears between now and next month.

She explained that arrangements have been concluded for the payment of outstanding two months salaries. She described the Government of the State under the leadership of the Governor, Akeredolu, as the administration of construction, reconstruction, innovation and redemption.