Ondo To Tackle Sea Incursion In Coastal Communities, Adopts Dialogue To Resolve LG Caretaker Committees’ Stalemate

By Ayodele Oni

Reprieve may be on the way for the troubled people of Aiyetoro community in Ilaje council area as Ondo state government is set to confront the age long coastal erosion which has almost wiped away the community.

Substantial part of the community including houses and farmlands have been washed away, while efforts to tackle the menace gave defied solution.

At its weekly state executive council meeting in Akure, critical issues of development were discussed and a wide range of actions approved for implementation.

Top among those is the approval of an action plan on finding lasting and sustainable solution to the incessant ocean surge in Aiyetoro community in Ilaje local government area of the State.

This was revealed at a press briefing after the EXCO meeting by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju.

Olateju disclosed that the Governor expressed deep concern over the challenges faced by the community over several years, promising government’s commitment to finding lasting solution to the sea-related problems.

The government, she assured, is actively working towards implementing measures that would not only mitigate the immediate impacts, but also provide a permanent and sustainable solution in order to safeguard the affected coastal areas.

Also, the Executive Council approved the immediate assumption of office by the newly appointed Oloje of Igasi in Akoko North West local government and the Ibini/Lebú of Ojuala in Ese-odo local government.

Additionally, two warrant chiefs were appointed to facilitate the selection of a new Olusupare of Supare Akoko, and a new Arogbo of Akotogbo was also approved.

The State government has also taken a significant step towards fostering economic development by approving the State Action Plan on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programs.

This includes an initiative to illuminate Akure and major cities in the state through a solar-powered project. The pilot project, having received Council’s approval, is set to commence immediately with sample installations underway at the front of Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.

On the issue of cleanness in the state, the Commissioner for Environment, Sunday Akinwalire, highlighted progress in clearing refuse in the metropolis and the weeding of curbs, as well as plans to improve overall sanitation standards.

Also, the State Commissioner for Justice, Sir Charles Titiloye, said the government, acknowledging pending court cases initiated by opposition parties regarding the appointment of careraker committees for Local Government councils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), is committed to resolving these issues amicably through constructive dialogue with the relevant stakeholders.