…upbeat for launch of Edo FEWMA
Residents from various communities in Edo State have commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for addressing the severe flood and gully erosion problems that had ravaged their communities for several years with the resultant loss of lives and disruption of livelihoods.
The residents while speaking to journalists in Benin City, said the Governor through Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) has changed the narrative of pains and sufferings, commending the governor for establishing the State’s Flood, Erosion, and Watershed Management Agency (Edo FEWMA) to sustain the gains recorded in reducing vulnerability to flood and erosion.
They further hailed the Project Coordinator of Edo NEWMAP, Dr. Tom Obaseki, for deploying his expertise in infrastructure and environmental development in pursuing the life-changing projects across the communities.
The NEWMAP project has seen to the construction and repairs of the Oshiobugie Gully Erosion Site in Auchi; Queen Ede and Ekehuan Sites, both in Benin City; the Ambrose Alli University, (AAU) Ekpoma Gully Alleviation and Protection works, among other interventions across the state.
Narrating her ordeal, Mrs. Rose Ijebo, a widow and resident of Emu community, shared the tale of how the erosion claimed the life of her husband.
She said, “He was going to buy fuel one rainy day; he fell inside a hole and before they could help him out. We lost him. He left behind six children to cater for. We had lost hope in this community but I am glad today that Governor Godwin Obaseki has changed that narrative.”
Another resident, Mrs. Elizabeth Iwahowa, noted, “Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State, is a very good man to us. He promised us and has really done what he promised. This gully has been killing many people for years. For more than 20 years, people have been dying. Some people came before to work on it, but didn’t carry on with the work. But today Governor Godwin Obaseki has completed the project and we are very happy!
“We thank the governor and commend him for setting up the Edo FEWMA to continue the good work his administration started through the Edo NEWMAP. We will continue to support the government and pray that they achieve all their vision of ensuring a better, more vibrant and progressive Edo State.”
Mrs. Marcelina Imhaze, a trader, while commending the governor said, “Many people have died because of this erosion problem. We have lost count of the numbers. They died and left their families. We have been fighting to see that they fix this our road, but it was all in vain. But we thank God today, Governor Obaseki has shown that we all can benefit from good governance.”
