Senate raises alarm as ocean surge wipes out 80 per cent of Ondo community
The Senate has issued a call for immediate and comprehensive measures to protect the Ayetoro community in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State from ongoing coastal erosion.
This urgent request was made following a motion presented on Thursday by Senator Dayo Faduyile (APC, Ondo South), who highlighted the need to safeguard the historic coastal community from severe sea incursions.
During his address, Faduyile reported that ocean surges have already caused significant damage, jeopardizing homes, livelihoods, cultural heritage, and essential public infrastructure. He noted that recent assessments revealed that approximately 80 percent of buildings in Ayetoro have been lost to the sea.
Faduyile further stated that schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship, and traditional institutions have been severely impacted, resulting in the displacement of thousands of residents. “The ongoing destruction of homes and community infrastructure has left families without shelter and threatened access to safe water and healthcare, placing the future of this historic community in jeopardy,” he said.
The senator expressed his concern over past shoreline protection efforts, citing implementation challenges and delays associated with contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He emphasized that the magnitude of the situation surpasses the residents’ capacity to manage, necessitating immediate intervention from both the Federal Government and the Ondo State Government, as well as support from development agencies and international partners.
Faduyile mentioned that the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has indicated that addressing the crisis requires considerable resources. He cautioned that any further delays could lead to increased loss of life, property, and livelihoods, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as women, children, and the elderly.
In response to these concerns, the Senate has urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Environment, the NDDC, and other relevant agencies, to collaborate with the Ondo State Government and OSOPADEC to develop and implement a well-funded shoreline protection program. Additionally, the Senate called for a transparent review of ongoing shoreline protection contracts, including assessments of their funding status and projected completion timelines. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was also urged to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the affected residents.
