The Niger Delta Development Commission has said it would deploy modern technology to tackle the erosion scourge in the Sangana community in the Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
This follows the recent devastating ocean surge in the community.
The Managing Director, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who stated this during an inspection of the eroded shoreline, said the intervention of the commission was a response to President Bola Tinubu’s directive for urgent action to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, on Sunday by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni.
Ogbuku described the President as a caring leader who had the interest of the people at heart, hence his call to action in the wake of what was considered to be one of the worst ecological disasters in the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku, who was accompanied by the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Victor Antai, visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment of the level of devastation and donated relief materials for the immediate needs of the people who were displaced by the ocean surge.
He noted that the President was happy with the people of the community because of its economic importance and the sustained peace over the years, which created the enabling environment for oil exploration and exploitation activities.
He stated, “Before your letter of appeal arrived at our head office in Port Harcourt, the ocean surge in Sagana was already publicised in the media, The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria saw it and directed that we must come and see what is happening in Sagana and give him feedback.”
The NDDC boss said he feels elated at the presidential directive, which indicated that the country has a responsible leader who is interested in the welfare of the people, no matter how far they are.
“My presence in your community, apart from being a son of the soil, is in response to Mr. President’s directive and having witnessed first-hand the devastation in your community. We will proceed immediately to see how we can salvage the situation.”.
Ogbuku urged the people of the community to continue to maintain peace and to attract development, as it could only take place in a peaceful environment.
He added, “We had earlier awarded the contract for shore protection in your community, but we are going to review it. The whole idea in NDDC is that we are also looking at new technology such as the Geotube system. The system is also used in rebuilding and reclaiming the land naturally.”
The NDDC Managing Director also used the opportunity to call on the multinational oil companies operating in the area to join hands in addressing the persistent ocean surge in the communities around the area as NDDC would not do it alone.
“Having ascertained the situation on the ground, we will go back and put the papers together and also see how we can partner with the state government and the International Oil Companies (IOCs) to see how we can all come together to ensure that we protect our communities,” he stated.
The Chairman, Sangana Council of Traditional Rulers, Moses Kenibara VII, Amadabo of Moko-Ama Sangana, thanked the president for the love showered on the people of the community.
