Edo State residents from all around have given their thanks to Governor Godwin Obaseki for finally doing something about the devastating floods and gully erosion that have plagued their villages for years, taking lives and destroying livelihoods.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City, locals praised the governor for establishing the State’s Flood, Erosion, and Watershed Management Agency (Edo FEWMA) to maintain the gains recorded in reducing vulnerability to floods and erosion. This was made possible through the Governor’s support of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
They also praised the efforts of Dr. Tom Obaseki, the Edo NEWMAP project coordinator, who was praised for using his knowledge of infrastructure and environmental development to push forward the life-changing projects in the various towns.
The Ambrose Alli University, (AAU) Ekpoma Gully Alleviation and Protection work, Queen Ede and Ekehuan Sites in Benin City, and the Oshiobugie Gully Erosion Site in Auchi are just some of the interventions that have been built or repaired thanks to the NEWMAP project.
Mrs. Rose Ijebo, a widow who lives in the Emu village, described how her husband perished in the erosion that has plagued her area.
She explained, “One rainy day, he was on his way to buy fuel when he fell down a hole. He disappeared. His six kids are now left in need of support. We had given up hope, but I’m happy to see that Governor Godwin Obaseki is helping to turn that around.
Mrs. Elizabeth Iwahowa, another local, said, “Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State, is a very good man to us. He made a promise and followed through on it. Many people have been killed in this gully for a long time. People have been dying for over 20 years now. Others have tried their hands at it before, but they abandoned the project before it was finished. Today, however, Governor Godwin Obaseki has finished the job, and everyone is celebrating.
“We appreciate the governor’s leadership in establishing the Edo FEWMA to carry on the outstanding work begun by his administration with the Edo NEWMAP. We are committed to the government and hope they realize their goals for a stronger, more prosperous, and more progressive Edo State.
Trader Mrs. Marcelina Imhaze praised the governor but added, “Many people have perished due to this erosion situation. It’s too many for us to keep track of. There will be a void in these communities because they passed away leaving behind their family. All of our efforts to have them repair our road have been for naught. The good news is that Governor Obaseki has proven that everyone stands to gain from competent leadership.
