Community leaders at Ayetoro, in the Ilaje local government area of Ondo state, have again cried out over the damages causes by sea incursion in the area.
The leaders explained how the peace the community used to enjoy has now become a mirage therefore appealed to the government for quickly intervention.
Community leaders, Mr Bankole Joshua, Prince Thompson Omoyelu Akingboye, Ayetoro Youth PRO and Mrs Akinluwa Cecelia, were all recounted the great dilapidation in the community, saying hardship has now become part of the daily life of their people.
They made the appeals while receiving the Ondo State Chapter of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) during its reconnaissance survey to access the impact of sea incursion and damages in the ancient town of the community.
The trip was in partnership with the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) and was aimed at assessing the level of the havoc caused by the natural disaster and to notify the appropriate national, international authorities, and to also make recommendations that can mitigate the situation.
According to them, the community used to be many kilometres away from the sea. But today, a greater part of the community has been overtaken by water.
“The once beautiful and prosperous Ayetoro community has now become a shanty and its people are greatly traumatized. Almost half of the community has been taken over by the recurring sea surge. Houses, schools and worship centres have been wiped away. The people are now homeless, with no means of livelihood.
They appealed to the government and all relevant bodies to speedily rescue the community and allow its people to return to their normal lives.
In her response, the leaders of the team, Mrs Bola Akinyanmi, sympathized with the people on their loss. She emphasized that having visited the community a couple of years ago, she can understand their collective plights.
Mrs Akinyanmi informed the people of the purpose of their visit.
According to her, “the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) is a Non-Governmental Organisation with experts from different professions and sectors.
“I see how agitated the people in this community are today. This is quite understandable. Some years back, I was in Ayetoro and the situation was not as bad as this. We came to do some advocacy during the Ebola crisis. The church where we met then can no longer be found. Schools, houses and roads can no longer be found. I want to encourage you not to give up. Sometimes, things get so bad that they attract solutions.
“But I can also let you know that this sea incursion is not peculiar to Ayetoro. Other communities are also feeling the effect. I am begging you that in everything we do, safety first. Let us encourage our people not to live in the threatened areas.
“This is a natural occurrence, I want to thank you for bearing with nature this far. But by the grace of God who created nature, the solution will come not too long”. Akinyanmi said.
Also speaking Engr. Stephen Ogunsemore (Director, Project Planning & Development) assured the people that the Commission will communicate to all necessary stakeholders the level of devastation, and see how succour could be brought to the community.
Apostle Sola Orisamoluwa (Director, Human Resources & Business Development) who is also a leader in Ayetoro community stressed that OSOPADEC as an interventionist agency will not fold its arms when communities in its mandate areas are confronted with human and natural challenges.
He said the Commission facilitated the visit of the body (NES) so that they can assess the level of devastation of the Ayetoro Community. The body as part of its assignments is expected to make recommendations to concerned authorities.
In his words: “the effect of the incursion is immeasurable and unquantifiable. We have lost so much in terms of our land mass, shelter, schools, roads and churches. But by the grace of almighty God, the solution will come soonest, our happiness and loss shall be restored”.
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