FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INAUGURATES ECOLOGICAL PROJECT AMIDST JUBILATIONS

The Federal Government in its effort to tackle erosion and flood threat across the country over the weekend inaugurated over 800 kilometre roads with 2 coats of surface dressing reinforce concrete side drains at flood prone Onikere, Ola Olu and Orabiyi roads in Onikere,Ile-Ife, Osun state.

Speaking at the occasion, President Muhammadu Buhari represented by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola stated the people that the project was one of the 23 ecological intervention projects executed by the Federal Government through Ecological Fund Office (EFO) in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) which was approved by Mr. President for the second quarter 2018.

According to him the implementation of the Project was in keeping faith with the present administration’s promise that, no part of the Country will suffer any neglect as a result of its geographical location or political consideration. He further underscored the Federal Government’s concerted effort and sincerity of purpose in tackling environmental problems across the country and making life more meaningful for the people.

Aregbesola noted that the commissioning and handing over of the project should be commended as it would offer the community an opportunity to take ownership in order to ensure its care, maintenance and sustainability. He implored the benefitting community to jealously guard and protect the constructed embankment from been tempered with.

The Minister extended the President’s appreciation to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha and the EFO team. He commended the Contractor Messrs Iskat Design Ltd as well as the Consultant, Messers Sahel Associates Ltd for job well done. He also extended his gratitude to the benefitting community, for their cooperation and provision of a peaceful environment that led to the successful completion of the project.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of Ecological Fund Office (EFO), Dr.Habiba Lawal who was represented by Engr. Udochi Nwachukwu said that the project was one of the second quarter 2018 Federal Government Ecological Intervention Projects approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in September 2018.

He disclosed that the project was initiated through a request for an urgent intervention forwarded to Ecological Fund Office (EFO) by Ooni of Ife ,Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ooni of Ife Ojaja11) on the need to arrest the continuous flood and erosion menace in Onireke town,Ile-Ife Central, and avoid further environmental degradation ,loss of lives and properties.

Engr. Nwachukwu reiterated that the timely completion was made possible through the efforts of the project contractor and the consultant who had worked tirelessly to ensure minimum loss of time in the project implementation schedule and the very close monitoring and prompt honoring of all contractual obligations by the EFO.

He noted that the handing over of the project to the benefiting community was expected to achieve dual purpose of enabling the host community to take over and exercise ownership, to ensure its maintenance and sustainability.

The Governor of Osun State represented by the Commissioner of the Environment Hon. Sola Oladepo commended the Federal Government and Ooni of Ife for the laudable project. He appealed for more ecological intervention, noting that there were so many ecological challenges facing the people of Osun state.

On his part the chairman of Onireke LGA, Hon. Elugbaju Olayera Jacob praised the Federal Government for rescuing the community from flood and erosion peril, he revealed that the roads were deathtraps and as a result several houses were abandoned during rainy season. He commended the Ooni of Ife for drawing the attention of the Federal Government to Onireke, promising to own and maintain the project.

Present at the event were Sen. Adereke Oriolowo (Osun West), House of Assembly Member (Ife East), Hon.Adeyey Olajide, Chairman of Onireke LGA, The Iyalojos (mothers) as well as the Community leaders and other members of the Community.

The guests were entertained by Arike Cultural Troupe

R-L: Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,Osun state Commissioner for Environment Hon. Sola Oladepo, representative of the Permanent Secretary EFO, Engr.Udochi Nwachukwu and others at the cutting of the tape in Onikere