By Emmanuel Ogoigbe
Renowned environmental rights activist and development advocate, Mulade Sheriff, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and other relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene in the worsening coastal erosion threatening Obuguru Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Mulade, who is also the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and National Treasurer of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), expressed deep concern over what he described as the devastating impact of Atlantic Ocean surges at the River Forcados Estuary on the oil-bearing community in Ogulagha Kingdom.
According to him, large portions of land in Obuguru Community are gradually being washed away by aggressive ocean currents, posing serious threats to lives, homes, fishing settlements, and the economic survival of residents.
“I am deeply disturbed by the worsening coastal erosion currently threatening the existence of the oil-bearing host community, Obuguru in Ogulagha Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, as a result of the devastating Atlantic Ocean surge at the River Forcados Estuary,” he stated.
Mulade warned that without immediate intervention, the community could face total extinction and mass displacement.
“As an environmental rights advocate, I cannot remain silent while our people continue to face the painful reality of environmental destruction and displacement,” he said.
The activist called on all relevant agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to urgently implement practical shoreline protection and erosion control measures to safeguard affected communities.
He also criticized the alleged neglect of Obuguru and other oil-producing shoreline communities by former Eni Agip Oil Company Nigeria Limited, now operating as Oando Surgenal Limited, following decades of oil exploration activities around the abandoned Beniboye Flow Station.
According to him, communities such as Beniboye, Isiayegbene, and Okuntu have continued to suffer environmental degradation, economic hardship, and lack of basic infrastructure despite contributing significantly to Nigeria’s oil wealth.
“It is unfortunate that after extracting enormous wealth from the land of our people, the community has been abandoned to suffer environmental degradation, erosion, economic hardship, and absence of basic infrastructure without adequate compensation, remediation, or sustainable development,” he lamented.
Mulade further decried the absence of shoreline protection infrastructure, potable water, healthcare facilities, educational infrastructure, and empowerment opportunities in the affected communities.
He called on the Federal Government and Oando Surgenal Limited to immediately engage affected communities in meaningful dialogue aimed at addressing longstanding environmental and socio-economic challenges caused by decades of oil exploration.
The environmentalist also demanded that internationally recognized valuers be engaged to assess the environmental damage and losses suffered by the communities, while adequate compensation and remediation efforts should commence without delay.
In addition, he urged the Federal Government and the oil company to implement a comprehensive abandonment and end-of-life management programme for all abandoned oil facilities in the area in line with global environmental standards.
“Our people cannot continue to suffer after sacrificing so much for the economic survival of Nigeria. Environmental justice, fairness, remediation, and sustainable development must prevail,” Mulade stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for vulnerable communities and promoting environmental justice, peace, and sustainable development across the Niger Delta region.
