Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State highlighted the impact of illegal mining activities on ecological issues in the state. He emphasized the need for federal agencies to monitor mining operations closely to prevent ecological disasters. During a visit from the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Fund, represented by Deputy Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun expressed readiness to collaborate with federal agencies to combat environmental degradation.
The governor stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of erosion problems exacerbated by mining activities. He urged proactive measures to prevent further devastation, emphasizing the significance of securing funding to mitigate the challenges faced by affected communities.
The committee members inspected areas affected by gully erosion, with Deputy Chairman Sina Oyedeji assuring residents of Ijebu-Ode of collaborative efforts between the federal and state governments to tackle the erosion threats in the region. Oyedeji highlighted the urgency of the situation and pledged to work towards securing necessary funds for immediate intervention.
The committee also visited erosion sites in Isheri, Ifo Local Government Area, where severe flooding was observed. Commissioner for Environment Ola Oresanya attributed the frequent erosion in Ijebu-Ode to a past earth tremor and mentioned ongoing efforts by the state government to find lasting solutions to the problem.
Discussions around the possible relocation of affected residents were raised, acknowledging the challenges of convincing people to leave their ancestral homes. Areas visited during the inspection included Owa, Makalewu, Ikangba, and Isheri.