The State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission has launched an initiative to clear waterways and remove water hyacinths in the Ilaje and Ese-Odo council areas in Ondo state.
This effort aims to prevent flooding, improve navigation, and enhance the local ecosystem.
The Secretary of OSOPADEC,Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, is overseeing the project. She stated, “The exercise is ongoing in various locations, including River Alape and River Oropo, Mahintedo, Igboegunrin, Imoluwa, and Itebu in Ilaje local government areas. In Ese-Odo LGA, waterways such as Opugbene, Ogidigba, Ojodou, Lalatei, Fiyebrashintei, Kiribo, Sabomi, Igbekebo, and Igbotu have been cleared.”
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved this initiative to demonstrate his commitment to environmental protection and the well-being of coastal communities. Bayo-Ilawole explained, “The water hyacinths have blocked waterways, affecting the economic productivity of rural dwellers.” She emphasized that the clearing, which began on July 22, 2024, will remove aquatic vegetation and debris to prevent flooding and improve navigation.
“This effort is to mitigate the occasional damage of boat engines caused by this stubborn aquatic weed and to eliminate delays in travel time while promoting the use of water transport as a viable alternative that is safe, fast, and secure,” she added.
The Oloja of Oke-Pare and Alape, Prince Adekunle Adeyemi, expressed gratitude for the intervention, highlighting the difficulties faced in fishing and navigation. “The timely intervention in clearing the water hyacinths across the Oke-Pare and Alape axis is much appreciated,” he said.
Prince Taye Akinbuwa, the Youth Leader in Alape, assured full cooperation from the local youths to support the clearing operation. He called for continued support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration to promote growth and environmental sustainability.
The Commission also plans to pay outstanding bursaries and scholarships for students from the mandate areas as part of their ongoing efforts to support the community.
