By Kayode Olabanji, Okitipupa
I
The Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) yesterday flagged off the distribution of palliatives to the victims of Aiyetoro sea incursion.
The Executive Director of Project NDDC, Mr. Charles Ogunmola at the ceremony promised to bring the best technology to Ilaje to proffer lasting solution to the ocean surge.
At the distribution held at the Officers Mess, Naval Base, Igbokoda, Ilaje, Ogunmola noted that the administration would put end to sea incursion in Ilaje and Aiyetoro in particular.
It was gathered that the palliatives were jointly donated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Rural Africa Health Initiative (RAHI).
“I have vowed to start development from Ondo South (Ilaje in particular) to Ondo North”.
Ogunmola who led other delegates on inspection to the affected area in Aiyetoro, said he has not come as an observer, but to see what NDDC can do as a matter of urgency to prevent the sea incursion.
Representative of the Ondo State Government and secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Olufemi Obideyi appreciated the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for his transformation agenda in the state and also acknowledged the efforts of the State government at donating relief materials for Aiyetoro people overtimes and appealed to NDDC and the Federal Government to act on permanent solution to the ocean surge.
Earlier, Mr. Salami Olaniyi Okogie, NDDC Director, Ondo State Office, appreciated the top Board Members and management of the NDDC, traditional rulers, and other guests.
He said that the visitation was to solidarize with the Aiyetoro people and meet the immediate needs of the victims.
He said Ogunmola’s visit to Ilaje was mainly to flag off the distribution of palliatives donated to Aiyetoro victims and inspect the devastation effect of the incursion on the community for proper attention by the NDDC.
Amapetu of Mahin Land, Oba Oluwasegun Akinyomi, said the visitation of the EDP to Ilaje was unique to have decided to celebrate his birthday in Ilaje land in solidarity with Aiyetoro people.
He appealed to the NDDC to always ensure that NDDC projects are awarded to competent contractors for proper and prompt execution.
Apostle J.I. Ajijo who spoke on behalf of the Aiyetoro community, said there was no proper study or research on how best NDDC and the Federal Government can handle the Aiyetoro ocean surge and urged the NDDC to use modern technology to proffer permanent solution to the sea incursion.
Stressing that palliatives have been shared times without numbers including the state government, “this time around, we need permanent solution more than the relief materials”. Obideyi said.
Also, Oba Femi Ogbaro noted that the Aiyetoro community was not the only community affected by the ocean surge in Ilaje. He noted that Awoye, Mese, Gbagira, and other communities were also affected. He urged the NDDC to always include fishing materials/ equipment in their palliatives to meet the needs of the people and consequently ameliorate the suffering of the people, noting that the people need fishing materials such as ‘fishing nets’ and so on, more than relief materials.”
