Following a destructive windstorm, intense rain, and hailstones that struck the state’s Okpe Local Government Area on Tuesday, the Delta State Government has issued a warning to citizens about the careless felling of trees.
This was disclosed on Thursday by state Environment Commissioner Ejiro Jamani during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the impacted communities of Ugbokodo, Jeddo, and Ughoton in the wake of the regrettable occurrence.
He expressed to them the profound condolences of Sheriff Oborevwori, the State Governor.
The torrential downpour, combined by strong winds, caused substantial damage to property worth millions of naira in the impacted communities of Ugbokodo, Jeddo, and Ughoton.
On the entourage of the commissioner during the visit were the lawmaker representing Okpe Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, James Augoye; the Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area, Chief Isaiah Isiowa; officials from the State Emergency Management Agency, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant stakeholders.
The commissioner told reporters at the conclusion of the tour that the goal was to determine the extent of the damage.He pointed out that a number of commercial buildings, residential structures, houses of worship, Ometan Primary School, Ughoton Secondary School, Ugbokodo Health Center, and Ugbokodo Health Center were among the vital infrastructures affected.
Jamani said that at each community visited, he assured them that “the government shares in their pain and stands in heartfelt solidarity with them during this challenging time.”
He spoke further, “I also took the opportunity to reassure all Deltans of Governor Oborevwori’s strong commitment to safeguarding lives and properties across the state.”
He assured residents that a detailed environmental investigation will be undertaken to determine the root cause of the windstorm and to develop appropriate response and mitigation strategies.
“In light of this incident, I reiterated the importance of environmental stewardship by all residents of the state.
“I warned against the indiscriminate felling of trees, which leaves our communities vulnerable to harsh environmental consequences.
“I therefore urge all residents to desist from such harmful practices and instead embrace tree planting as a proactive measure to combat climate change and reduce the impact of extreme weather events,” he said.
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