NEWS
Uzere Oil Spill: Isoko South Chairman Commends Oborevwori for Swift Medical Intervention
The Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Friday Ovoke Warri, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his prompt intervention following the devastating oil spill at Uzere.
Warri gave the commendation on Wednesday in Oleh when a delegation from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies paid him a courtesy visit at the council secretariat.
Governor Oborevwori had on Monday led a high-powered delegation to inspect the site of the spill at Uzere, which destroyed farm crops, aquatic life and properties in the community.
Speaking during the visit, Warri said the spill at Uzere Well 14 had caused serious damage to the agricultural and ecological systems of the people.
“I want to commend the officials of NEMA for their intervention and efforts towards assessing the impact of the oil spill. What happened at Uzere Well 14 has caused serious damage to the agricultural and ecological systems of our people. The impact on our farmers and the environment is a matter of serious concern,” Warri said.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for visiting the affected area and directing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, to ensure residents receive appropriate medical attention, including examinations to establish possible health implications.
“I am grateful to our beloved Governor for his visit and for directing the Commissioner for Health to ensure that our people receive the necessary medical attention. As we speak, medical personnel are already in Uzere carrying out medical activities for our people,” he stated.
Earlier, the leader of the NEMA delegation, Dr. Godwin Tepikor, Director of Planning and Research, said the agency’s visit followed a report received from Uzere on September 26 concerning the spill.
Tepikor said the team was in Isoko South to obtain preliminary information from the council chairman, who is the Chief Security Officer of the local government, before commencing assessment of the affected areas.
He said the visit was also to inform the local government leadership of the agency’s presence and ensure proper coordination ahead of the assessment.
The NEMA team reaffirmed its commitment to assessing the situation and working with relevant stakeholders to determine the extent of damage and identify appropriate intervention measures.
BIGPEN NGR recalls that Uzere, one of the oil-producing communities in Isoko South, has witnessed repeated spills from ageing facilities, with residents repeatedly demanding cleanup, compensation and regular health screening from operators in the area.
