Ondo riverine youths seek action on erosion, bunkering

Youths in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other stakeholders to address various challenges facing riverine communities in the state.

The youths, under the auspices of the Ilaje National Youth Council, said the communities needed urgent government intervention in several areas.

The newly inaugurated National President of the Third National Caretaker Committee of the INYC, Agbejoye Joshua, stated this in his acceptance speech on Monday.

According to him, some of the challenges requiring intervention include illegal oil bunkering, the Ayetoro shoreline project and concerns over the alignment of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.

He said, “We call upon the appropriate security, regulatory and environmental authorities to intensify lawful measures against illegal oil bunkering, unauthorised petroleum production and other activities that threaten the environment, public safety and economic development of Ilaje Nation.

We also call for immediate and sustained government attention to the devastating coastal erosion and sea incursion affecting Ayetoro and other vulnerable coastal communities in Ilaje Nation.

“There is a need for urgent engagement with the Federal Ministry of Works and other relevant authorities regarding concerns over the proposed diversion or realignment of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway away from affected Ilaje coastal communities.

We also call upon the appropriate aviation, environmental and emergency management authorities to investigate reports of environmental pollution allegedly associated with an aircraft crash in the Igbokoda area. We request a comprehensive environmental assessment, disclosure of relevant findings and appropriate remediation wherever contamination or environmental damage is established.”

Joshua pledged that the group, under his leadership, would promote unity, peaceful coexistence, youth empowerment, employment opportunities, skills acquisition, community development and constructive engagement with government institutions and private organisations.

“I assure the entire youths of Ilaje Nation that this administration will strive to justify the confidence reposed in us and deliver meaningful results beyond expectations,” he promised.

Joshua also said the group would meet with private security companies and security contractors operating in Ilaje LGA to discuss “lawful employment opportunities, local content participation, community relations, youth empowerment and collaboration with relevant security agencies.”