The Ekimogun Roundtable, a prominent socioeconomic group of Ondo indigenes both within Nigeria and abroad, has appealed to the Federal Government and the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to urgently intervene in addressing a severe ecological crisis that is threatening the lives and properties of residents in Ondo town.
In a statement signed by the acting secretary of the group, Christiana Ayodele, and released to journalists on Saturday, the Ekimogun Roundtable expressed grave concern over the escalating flooding problem in the community, which they claim has now reached an emergency level.
The group emphasised that the floods have been claiming lives and destroying valuable properties annually, with residents living in constant fear for their safety.
According to the statement, the group is calling on relevant Federal Government agencies, including the Ecological Fund Office and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), as well as the Ondo State Government, to urgently assess the situation and provide a lasting solution.
Ms Ayodele highlighted the areas most affected, stating, “The flooding, which started around Ife Road, Saluwa, Sabo, New Town, Itanla, Oke Odunwo, and Orimolade, is now threatening to engulf the entire Ondo City. What used to be a seasonal issue has become a full-blown crisis, endangering lives, disrupting education, threatening livelihoods, and leaving deep scars on our community.”
She went on to stress the need for coordinated action, saying, “We believe that with a focused and collaborative effort, supported by the necessary political will, this issue can be resolved before more lives are put at risk.”
Ms Ayodele also underscored the efforts already made by the community, noting, “As a people, we have tried our best to tackle this issue, but we are now stretched beyond our capacity. We are ready to partner with government authorities at all levels to develop a comprehensive flood management plan to protect our community from further harm.”
Concluding the statement, she made a passionate plea for urgent intervention, declaring, “For the sake of our families, businesses, and future, we demand action.”
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