By Nelson Agbajor
ABUJA/Nigeria: The Federal Government has restated its commitment to addressing the persistent ecological challenges facing Ugbokodo community in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, pledging swift and concrete action to combat shoreline erosion, flooding and environmental degradation in the oil-producing host community.
This assurance was given by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, when he received a high-level delegation from Okpe Kingdom at his office in Abuja. The delegation was led by His Royal Majesty, Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), Orhue I, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, and included Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
During the meeting, Senator Akume commended the Orodje for his distinguished military service and leadership, assuring the royal father and other stakeholders that the Federal Government was not indifferent to Ugbokodo’s environmental crisis. He acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns raised and stressed that they deserved urgent attention, promising that the matter would be given serious consideration to ensure tangible and measurable intervention.
The visit was aimed at drawing renewed federal attention to the worsening shoreline erosion and environmental degradation that have, for years, threatened lives, homes and critical infrastructure in Ugbokodo. Despite the community’s strategic contribution to Nigeria’s oil and gas revenue, residents continue to suffer the devastating consequences of coastal encroachment and recurrent flooding.
In his remarks, Senator Dafinone underscored the imperative of environmental justice for host communities, noting that sustainable national development cannot be achieved when communities that power the nation’s economy are left vulnerable to ecological disasters. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with relevant federal agencies to secure lasting protection and remediation for Ugbokodo.
Other members of the delegation, including Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency, alongside respected leaders of the kingdom, stressed the urgency of federal intervention to prevent further loss of land, property and livelihoods.
The engagement signals a renewed and coordinated push by Okpe Kingdom and key stakeholders in Delta Central Senatorial District to secure federal backing for shoreline protection and environmental sustainability. It reinforces their collective resolve to pursue community safety, environmental equity and long-term development for oil-producing and host communities across the Niger Delta.
