Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has announced ban on sand mining in Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
He said he would be signing executive order to stop the activities in the area, as well as formation of a task force for enforcement, with severe penalties for defaulters.
Soludo spoke during commissioning of the Alex Ekwueme Civic Centre in Oko, a deserving honour for the legacy of the former Nigerian Vice President and renowned politician, Chief Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme.
He identified sand mining and uncontrolled flooding as key contributors to erosion in Oko, explaining that its solution required collective action from the community, individuals, and the government.
The Governor also revealed plans for a 25-person committee to develop solutions to the challenge.
While recalling a previous town hall meeting he had with stakeholders, where he reiterated the threat faced by the community, Soludo stressed the urgent need to address the scourge which he described as serious threats to Oko community.
He thanked the people of Oko for honoring a man who is not just a father of Oko and Old Aguata Union (OAU) but Anambra, Nigeria and Africa.
He also commended the Ide Memorial Group and other contributors for building the Civic Centre in Dr. Alex Ekwueme’s memory, recalling his role in the “Ekwueme Movement”.
“Dr. Ekwueme as an idea and an institution will never die; Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones concept was Dr. Ekwueme’s idea,” he added.
The governor pledged to construct crucial roads, including the Oko-Ogboji-Aguluezechukwu road with a spur to the Civic Centre and the Oko-Ndiowu road as well as the Pan Brewery road.
Earlier, Oko Peoples Union Chairman, Comrade Luke Nweke, expressed gratitude for the completion of the Civic Centre and Governor Soludo’s support in combating the erosion.
The ceremony was a blend of celebration and commitment, with Governor Soludo praising Dr. Ekwueme’s contributions while simultaneously addressing the critical issue of erosion threatening Oko.
Dignitaries who attended the event included National Vice President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke Ogene, Traditional Ruler of Oko, Professor Laz Ekwueme, Wife of the former Vice President of Nigeria, Lady Beatrice Ekwueme.
Others were Chief of Staff Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Protocol Chinedu Nwoye, Transition Committee Chairman for Orumba North, Sir Ogochukwu Ekwueme and his Aguata counterpart, Dr Chibueze Ofobuike.
