Education
World Environment Day: OSOPADEC renews call to reclaim Ayetoro from sea incursion – EnviroNews
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Executive Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Mr. Biyi Poroye, says World Environment Day is a global call to reclaim Ayetoro land from sea incursion and extinction.
Poroye said this at the commemoration of 2026 World Environment Day on Saturday, June 6, in Ayetoro, a riverine oil producing town in the state.
The event flags-off one month of activities by Ondo State Government, under OSOPADEC and in collaboration with Ministry of Environment.
The OSOPADEC chairman said Ilaje and Ese-Odo riverine regions had environmental challenges of sea incursion and submergence, which could result in Ayetoro’s extinction.
According to him, Ayetoro and some oil-producing communities in the state are experiencing some of the worst environmental catastrophe, caused by climate change over the years.
“The Atlantic Ocean has swallowed more than 80 per cent of the community’s original landmass, submerging hundreds of homes, schools and businesses, leaving thousands of residents displaced.
“Between 500 and 700 homes, including the community’s iconic technical college, have been washed away. Where are the houses, schools, hospitals etc that once stood on this land?
“Over 80 per cent of the town’s original 45 streets have been claimed by water, rendering the majority of residents homeless and livelihoods have been destroyed.
“So, it is a global issue, and this World Environment Day is a global call to reclaim Aiyetoro land from sea incursion,” he said.
Poroye, therefore, called on Federal Government, World Bank, and stakeholders to support for stronger communities which could withstand environmental challenges while protecting future generations.
Also, Dr Tom Loko, state Commissioner for Environment, said World Environment Day commemoration showed the commitment of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to the environment.
“To address climate change hazards, particularly affecting Aiyetoro/Awoye and other coastal communities in the state, all hands must be on deck to compliment the government’s effort for deliberate actions.
“Therefore, community leaders, youth organisations, and other relevant stakeholders are implored to partner with the government in building resilience against climate change.
“On this day, we urge the people of the riverine areas to cultivate the habit of proper waste disposal, cleanup canals and make the surroundings clean,” he said.
Similarly, Ms. Olapeju Olayemi, Ondo State Goodwill Ambassador for Environment, called for humanitarian support for long-term solutions such as coastal protection projects, mangrove restoration and community sensitisation in Ayetoro.
According to Olayemi, schooling is no longer at ease for school children, as schools continually submerge into the ocean.
“Governments, non-governmental organisations, community leaders, and international donors must work together and provide safe shelter, clean water, healthcare services, and schools to the Aiyetoro community,” she said.
Meanwhile, Oba Oluwambe Ojagbohunmu, Ogeloyinbo of Ayetoro, said the proud heritage of Ayetoro now faced obliteration.
“Climate change that was once confined to academic discourse has manifested on our shores as an unrelenting adversary”, he said.
By Muftau Ogunyemi