Brass—To reduce the effect of the ocean encroachment occurring in Odioama, the Caretaker Chairman of Brass Local Government Council in Bayelsa State, Hon. Alabo Hanson Karika has said the council will provide shelter for all indigent displaced persons from the coastal community.
Karika disclosed this on Tuesday when the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri paid a working visit to Odioama.
The Brass helmsman lamented that the ravaging ocean has greatly affected the livelihood of Odioama residents and equally damaged several buildings, hence the decision to provide shelter.
According to him, “Shelter is the only thing the council can provide for now, since ecological issues are beyond the purview of the local government.
“We will find a place for the displaced persons, while we think of more things we can do to help our people.”
The council chairman thanked Diri who was accompanied by the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere and other government functionaries for visiting Odioama.
He described the visit as a demonstration of empathy, courage and intentionality, which he believes are rare leadership qualities lacking in many Nigerian politicians.
“By undertaking this on-the-spot assessment of the sea encroachment in Odioama, I am confident that the Governor will find a way to resolve or mitigate this ocean surge affecting our brothers and sisters,” Karika stated.
Earlier, Governor Douye Diri told the people of Odioama that the visit was to get firsthand information about the effect of the ocean encroachment plaguing them.
“I know this is beyond the scope of the state but I will do everything possible to team up with the federal government and also various companies that have benefited from the state to alleviate the pains of the people of Odioama,” he said.