BY AKUDORO GLORIA
In pursuit of a sustainable and healthy future, the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, commissioned water scheme projects in Terabor, Korokoro, Kpean, and Ebube communities in the Gokana kingdom of Ogoniland in Rivers State on Tuesday.
At the 2-Day official visit which commenced today, the Minister also
took a tour of the health facilities in the Gokana Kingdom of Ogoniland while planning to interface with youth and women groups, vulnerable groups, and other important stakeholders on meaningful discussions that would foster sustainable development in their communities.
Speaking at the palace of His Majesty, King Festus Bagia, Gberemane of Gonkana, the Minister said access to clean water and robust healthcare are foundational pillars, hence, the water scheme projects being commissioned remains a symbol of federal government’s commitment to providing clean and accessible water to the people of Ogoniland.
“Clean water is not a luxury but a fundamental human right and this project is a testament to our dedication to ensuring this right for all citizens.
“Additionally, the inspection of health facilities in Ogoniland underscores the importance of a robust healthcare system. The well-being of our citizens is paramount and investing in healthcare infrastructure is an investment in the prosperity and vitality of our communities.
“As we commission this water scheme and assess our health facilities let us remember that our collective efforts are building blocks for a healthier environment and a more resilient community.
“The challenges ahead are significant but our determination is unwavering and collectively we will overcome all future obstacles. May this initiative serve as a beacon of progress and cooperation, fostering a future where the people of Ogoni can thrive in a clean and healthy environment”, said Mallam Lawal.
The Minister commended His Majesty, King Festus Bagia, Gberemane of Gonkana and other Traditional Rulers as well as the entire community of Ogoniland for their support towards the actualization of various projects, and also sought their continued support and cooperation to Government in order to achieve collective goal of providing and a healthier, cleaner and safer environment in our communities.
Earlier, His Majesty, King Festus Bagia, Gberemane of Gonkana congratulated the Minister on his oppointment and expressed optimism that he would put to use his wide expertise in infrastructural development of the Ministry of Environment, particularly the HYPREP Project which this is the hope of the common man in Ogoniland to recovering the Shell stock land and streams.
His Majesty, while commending the government for the successes of vital water scheme projects, acted upon series of complaints from our various communities and called for the institution of Monitoring Team that would function as a regulatory body to supervise the activities of contractors.
His Majesty who carved the indulgence of the Minister to help save community projects from impending challenges also use the opportunity to call for immediate removal and replacement the Gokana representative in the Central Representative Advisory Committee (CRAC), Mene Stephen Kpea.
He emphasized that Kpea who’s currently representing the traditional institution and the king of Gokana kingdom to resolving issues in Gokana communities, and providing HYPREP the enabling environment to executive their mandate has failed to do so thus, creating more crises in the communities.
Lamenting further on the challenges resulting from the failure of the CRAC representative, His Majesty called for the reconstitution of Zonal Representative Committee in Gokana to allow the king and Gokana Divisional Council of Traditional rulers select notable traditional rulers of peace, that can work together with CRAC for a result oriental step towards the actualization of the mandate of HYPREP.
“We appreciate the effort so taken on the Livelihood Programme. Provision of Alternative Livelihood Training for communities whose sources of income were imparted by oil spill is a key mandate of HYPREP project. We call on your support and constant monitoring of this programmes bringing to an end the terrible days of oil bunkering (Kpo fire) and destruction of our land for a second time. We are convinced that if our Youths are fully equipped with good starter pack after the training, then our land will be safe and develop”, he asserted.