Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has voiced serious concerns about the potential extinction of the Oko community in Orumba North Local Government Area, the birthplace of the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former Vice President of Nigeria, within the next 50 years due to severe erosion.
The governor addressed this alarming issue during the unveiling ceremony of a remarkable civic center named after the late statesman. He emphasized the urgency of tackling the erosion threat and shared that, as governor, he had held town hall meetings with Oko and Ekwulobia communities to address the persistent erosion challenges they face.
Governor Soludo highlighted human activities, such as sand mining and improper waste disposal, as significant contributors to the erosion menace. In response, he called for a responsible waste disposal system and announced an immediate ban on sand mining in Oko. The governor underscored his commitment to enforcing the ban through the creation of a task force and the implementation of an executive order.
Acknowledging the complexity of the issue, Governor Soludo recognized that dedicating Anambra’s entire resources to Oko would still not be sufficient to combat erosion. He urged affluent individuals within the community to collaborate with the government in finding sustainable solutions and preserving the legacy of Ekwueme.
Commending the community for their efforts in constructing the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre and unveiling a statue in honor of the late vice president, Governor Soludo stressed the importance of collective action to secure Oko’s future.
