By Faridat Salifu
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The Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, on his on-going momentous visit to the Gokana Kingdom in Ogoniland, has vowed to Boost water initiatives by inaugurating pivotal water scheme projects and meticulously inspecting healthcare facilities.
This visiton on the 19th and 20th of December, conducted at the esteemed Palace of His Majesty, King Festus Bagia, Gberemane Gokana, was marked by a profound sense of reverence and a shared commitment to the community’s progress.
Addressing the gathered audience, the Minister underscored the paramount importance of unfettered access to clean water and robust healthcare infrastructure in shaping a sustainable and flourishing future. He commended the water scheme projects as a tangible manifestation of the government’s unwavering commitment to providing clean and accessible water, emphasizing that access to clean water is not merely a privilege but a fundamental human right. The scrutiny of healthcare facilities further reinforced the government’s resolve to invest in the health infrastructure crucial for the prosperity and well-being of the communities.
The Minister’s visit was not merely a ceremonial event but a platform for meaningful engagement with youth and women groups, vulnerable communities, and other stakeholders. These discussions were oriented towards fostering sustainable development in the region.
Expressing gratitude to His Majesty, other Traditional Rulers, and the entire Ogoniland community for their unwavering support and contributions to various projects, the Minister solicited continued cooperation. He urged the Traditional Rulers to collaboratively work towards the shared objective of creating a healthier, cleaner, and safer environment for the communities.
In alignment with the visit, the traditional rulers of the Gokana Kingdom brought attention to vital regional concerns. They advocated for the removal of the Gokana representative from the Central Representative Advisory Committee (CRAC) and proposed the reconstitution of the Zonal Representative Committee to facilitate progress with the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
Furthermore, the traditional rulers accentuated the importance of livelihood programs, advocating for the empowerment of youth with resources conducive to sustainable development. They called for the establishment of a monitoring team to regulate contractor activities.
Their formal address to the Minister sought urgent intervention and support to address pressing issues in the Gokana Kingdom. Emphasizing the need for effective collaboration with HYPREP, alternative livelihood training for affected communities, and the establishment of monitoring mechanisms for responsible contractor activities in the region, the traditional rulers articulated the aspirations and concerns of the community with clarity and conviction.
