The Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State, Hon. Elder Godwin Ogorugba, has called on residents of riverine communities and flood-prone areas to begin relocating to higher ground as floodwaters continue to rise daily.
Ogorugba made the appeal on Monday, urging residents to urgently move their families, children, and farm produce to safer areas on higher land. He assured them that they would be informed if it becomes necessary to relocate to designated government IDP camps.
The chairman, joining the residents in prayers for divine intervention, said, “With God, all things are possible,” expressing hope that the looming flood could be averted.
In a related development, Ogorugba has also called for collaboration with community leaders to support his “Operation Keep Isoko North Clean” initiative.
During a special sanitation exercise in Ozoro, the council’s headquarters, Ogorugba, through the Supervisory Councillor for Environment, Joshua Alebe, emphasized the need for all community leaders and residents to work in unison with the local government to maintain a clean and healthy environment for Isoko North.
The council chairman expressed dissatisfaction with the indiscriminate dumping of refuse at unauthorized sites, drains, and surrounding areas, which has led to health risks and partial flooding, particularly in Ozoro and its environs. He urged residents to adopt a culture of proper waste disposal, either through registered private service providers (PSPs) or at designated government dumpsites.
“A clean environment is essential for healthy living, and it is everyone’s responsibility to keep Isoko North clean,” Ogorugba warned.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Local Government Council, Barr. Vote Umukoro, was officially sworn in by the council chairman. The inauguration, held at the council’s Exco chamber in Ozoro, followed Umukoro’s successful screening and confirmation by the Delta State House of Assembly.
In congratulating Umukoro on his appointment, Ogorugba urged him to work diligently in advancing the GODWINS agenda of his administration, in line with Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda. Umukoro, who had previously served as Secretary to the Local Government during Emmanuel Egbabor’s first term as chairman (2014-2017), expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to bring his experience to bear in his new role.