NDDC advises IOCs on ocean surge, calls for action on erosion in Bayelsa communities
Adebayo Obajemu
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has advised international oil companies operating in Bayelsa State, to cooperate together in addressing the persistent ocean surge in coastal communities in the State, lamenting that the Commission cannot handle the situation alone.
Speaking during an inspection of the devastating ocean surge in Sangana community, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa Staten NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the Commission would deploy modern technology to tackle the erosion scourge in the area.
Ogbuku who also donated relief materials for the immediate needs of the people displaced by the ocean surge, stated that the intervention of the Commission was a response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for urgent action to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
He described President Tinubu 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.
According to him the President is 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.
“Before your letter of appeal arrived our head office in Port Harcourt, the ocean surge in Sagana was already publicized 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.
“Having ascertained the situation on 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 to see how we can all come together to ensure that we protect our communities.”
The NDDC Managing Director told the people of the community that he felt elated at the presidential directive which indicated that the country has a very responsible President who was 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.”
He urged the people of Sangana community to continue to maintain the peace, so as to attract development, as development could only take place in a peaceful environment.
“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 Geotube system. The system is also used in rebuilding and reclaiming the land naturally.
The Chairman, Sangana Council of Traditional Rulers, King Moses Theophilus Kenibara VII, Amadabo of Moko-Ama Sangana, assured that the people of the community would continue to maintain the peace and corporation with government for the development of the country.
A former Chairman of Brass Local Government Area and a community leader, Hon. Bello Bina, thanked the NDDC Managing, for personally finding time to visit the community, saying that the people of Sangana were overwhelmed with the presentation of the relief materials.
