By Dwelleth Morountodun
The Permanent Secretary, Ecological Project Office (EPO), Mr. Shehu Ibrahim, on Tuesday, received in audience a delegation of traditional rulers from Ogulagha Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State to his office.
The traditional ruler, Capt Joseph Timiyan, Torububoui Agbonu,
was represented by Chief William Igere, referred to as ‘Prime Minister’ of Ogulagha.
The ruler came cap in hand soliciting both financial and technical assistance of EPO over the ravaging coastal erosion and sea encroachment threatening the lives and property of the community and to seek EPO’s speedy intervention to salvage the situation.
According to him, Ogulagha was a strategic community, being a maritime gateway and a hub for maritime activities with huge deposits of crude oil hydro-carbons and gas reserves, making it the highest oil producing area in Delta state.
In addition, he said over 6 International oil companies as well as 9 Oil flow- stations of Gas Reserves and Gas projects, Oil Wells and Pipelines are located within the community also making it a strategic contributor to the nation’s economic and national developments.
Timiyan, described the kingdom as an ancient town, lying on both sides of the Estuary of the forcados river, where it meets with the Atlantic Ocean, stating that the ‘good news is that the people are very hospitable, and the land and waters are blessed by the Almighty God with huge deposits of crude Oil hydro-carbons and Gas reserves”, he added.
The Permanent Secretary in his remarks, expressed delight with the peaceful approach and manner the people have conducted themselves over the years with such enormous deposits of natural resources in the land.
He acknowledged that the resources had indeed contributed to the nation’s economy and development.
He however explained that Ecological issues were the collective responsibilities and the fund fairly shared to the three tiers of government: Federal, States and the Local Governments and thus needed the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in tackling the menace.
He further explained that as a Federal Government Ecological Office, its intervention efforts are usually spread evenly across the nation to ensure equity and fairness to all.
Ibrahim, explained that the moment a community or state has benefited from a project at a particular time, the next round of intervention will certainly go to another state within the particular geo- political zone and advised the community to exercise patience as government will do the needful.
Present at the event included: Directors; Soil Erosion and Flood Control, Abubarkar Takuma, Drought Desertification and Management Services, Haruna Bello, Special Duties, Yakubu Habu and that of Procurement, Abdullahi Mohammed. While the monarch was accompanied by the Secretary of the Council, Chief Larry Omula Adanike, Pere-Fungewei of Ogulagha and other members of the traditional Council.
Signed: Eno Olotu,
DD, Press&Public Relations.