In a swift reaction to the “Save Our Soul appeal letter” to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, dated 1st October, 2021, and other previous correspondences and positive steps by the leadership and members of the Eti-Osa Ocean Surge Communities led by the Convener, Hon.Sheriff Elegushi and Co-Convener/ Secretary, Barr Oladotun Hassan(Chairman, NBA, SPIDEL, Environmental and Sustainability Law Sub-Committee On Climate Change, Ocean Surge & Environmental Impact Assessment), equally followed up with the recent motion moved on the floor of the House by Hon Noheem Adams, Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Eti-Osa Constituency 1, while acknowledging the concurrent efforts of the Member representing Eti-Osa Federal Constituency Hon. Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro at the hollowed Chambers of the House of Representatives, alongside other critical stakeholders, which culminated to the intervention visit on 27th October, 2021 by officials of the Lagos State Government for an on spot assessment and feasibility study of the affected communities in Eti-Osa and other Environmental spiral effects, so as to have a first hand knowledge of the level of ocean surge devastation and need to build joint synergy with the host communities on ensuring immediate frontal solutions to the affected residents in Okun Alfa, Lafiaji, Okun Ajah, and Okun Mopo to mention a few.
Interestingly, the delegation gave a vivid account of the imminent dangers and assured that Mr Governor will proffer both interim and long terms Panacea to the surge, and firstly ensure adequate safety of the affected communities on the beach shorelines.
The Special Adviser on Works, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, said residents needs to show enormous support and build stronger synergy with the government, hence the need to inform and they shall request for records from the Ministries of Lands and Finance on the commensurate level of commitments in the payment of the Land Use Charge by the residents, so as to show more civic engagement and as well come up with robust report soon.
Other team of expert on the delegation are Hon. Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Arch Kabiru Ahmed Abdullah, alongside the Special Adviser on Drainage Services, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, and other directors from the various ministries concerned, they gave assured commitment of the government’s resolution to solve the imminent disaster.
The meeting further resolved to constitute joint steering Committee inclusive of eminent stakeholders and corporate organizations domiciled within affected communities in Eti-Osa Local Government and Environs accordingly.
Eti-Osa Ocean Surge Communities leadership reiterate her resolve to jointly host with the Lagos State Government, NBA SPIDEL Environmental and Sustainability Law Committee and NBA Epe Branch The maiden Climate Change, Ocean Surge and Water Hyacinth Summit in partnership with other critical stakeholders soon.
As part of the visit, the delegation also inspected the road leading to Orchid and Alfa Beach roads viz a viz the planned construction of the aforesaid roads facilitated by Hon Noheem Adams.
As assured the project will soon commence as stated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, who promised that all the relevant ministries, including the ministry of environment, all will work together and ensure that the construction of the road starts in earnest so that respite can come to the residents of that community soonest.
On the part of the affected communities led by Hon.Noheem Adams ,Hon.Sherif Elegushi, Convener/Chairman, Ocean Surge Communities, Aare Barrister Dotun Hassan, Co Convener, Secretary, Legal Adviser, alongside other Exco members; Mrs. Risikat Folami and Mrs. Mojisola Olemo, Chief Yussuf Atewolara Elegushi, Baale Okun Alfa, Chief Abdulwasiu Ali Balogun , Baale Lafiaji, Chief Sikiru Olukosi Baale ,Okun Ajah, Chief Shakiru Akinlade ,Baale Okun Mopo and other respected individuals from the communities respectively.
