BY KAYODE ANIMASAUN
The Federal government has expressed its commitment towards addressing devastating effects of erosion and floods in all parts of the country.
The minister of state for Niger Delta, Senator Tayo Alasoadura stated this at the inauguration and handing over of erosion control of flooded area and road rehabilitation project in Owo, Ondo state.
The project executed by the Federal government through the Ecological fund office was handed over to the Olowo of Owo ,Oba Ajibade Ogunoye on behalf of the community.
For over one hundred years, socio-economic activities of the people of Odo Agbara at Okedogbon community in Owo town were crippled by ecological challenges as flood and erosion had cut them off from the entire town.
The hope of the people was however awoken in 2018 when President Muhammadu Buhari included the erosion control and road improvement work of the area in the ecology intervention projects and was awarded by the Federal executive council.
The project which is a combination of road, bridge, standard drainage system and other components purposely for erosion control has now been completed.
Performing the inauguration and handing over ceremony, the minister of state for Niger Delta, senator Tayo Alasoadura said the completion of the project underscored the sincerity of President Buhari led administration to entrench justice, equity and fair play to all Nigerians.
Senator Alasoadura pointed out that the project would put an end to the trauma which residents of the community had gone through for decades on the account of erosion and flood.
In a remark, Ondo state governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu represented by the Secretary to the state government, Princess Oladunni Odu urged the benefiting community to ensure proper maintenance of the erosion control project to avoid recurrence of the past experience.
Receiving the project on behalf of Owo town, the olowo of owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye commended the Federal government for the kind gesture and pleaded for quick completion of the final phase of the project.
Two residents of the community, chief Jamiu Ekungba and Mr Wole Ajulo thanked President Buhari for bringing them back to limelight after all hope had been lost.
The residents promised to ensure adequate maintenance of the project.