Soludo urges collaborative effort to combat erosion threatening Oko community

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has sounded the alarm about the potential extinction of Oko community in Orumba North Local Government Area within the next 50 years due to severe erosion. Speaking at the unveiling of the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre, constructed by influential members of the community in honor of the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Soludo stressed the urgency of addressing the erosion menace to preserve the community’s existence.

Governor Soludo, expressing concern over the critical situation, revealed that he had conducted town hall meetings with communities facing erosion challenges, specifically highlighting Oko and Ekwulobia. He emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent Oko from disappearing in the coming decades.

Addressing the human factors contributing to erosion, Soludo identified sand mining and improper waste disposal as significant contributors. In response, he called for a more effective waste management system and announced a ban on sand mining in Oko.

Soludo declared, “Sand miners are part of the people spoiling Oko. We had met before and agreed to stop it by forming a task force to check them. From next week, I will sign an executive order banning sand mining in Oko community, and we will arrest those doing it and seize their vehicles for one year.”

Acknowledging the financial constraints faced by the state, Soludo appealed for collaboration with affluent individuals within the community to combat erosion effectively. He recognized the effort of Oko’s residents in constructing the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre and unveiling a statue in honor of the former vice president, urging continued partnerships to preserve the memories of Ekwueme.