Senator Joseph Ikpea, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, has outlined a comprehensive legislative and institutional strategy to address the worsening gully erosion and ecological challenges ravaging communities across the district.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists on Thursday, the lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to confronting the environmental threats that have continued to endanger lives, property, and infrastructure in Edo Central, noting that the region’s terrain makes it particularly vulnerable to erosion.
According to him, a motion addressing the ecological situation in Edo Central is set to be formally presented before the Senate.
When pressed on why a similar motion previously moved during the tenure of Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the desired impact was not fully realized at the time, Senator Ikpea said, “This time around, we are building on past efforts. We are not starting afresh but continuing from where previous interventions stopped.”
The lawmaker disclosed that beyond the proposed motion, he has already commenced high-level engagements with relevant federal agencies responsible for ecological management and disaster response.
He revealed that he has personally visited some of these agencies to present firsthand accounts of the erosion crisis and press for urgent intervention.
Senator Ikpea emphasized that the strategy involves are formal legislative backing through a Senate motion to secure federal attention, direct collaboration with ecological and environmental agencies and sustained follow-up to ensure implementation rather than mere approval.
The lawmaker expressed confidence in the responsiveness of the 10th National Assembly, stating that the Senate leadership has shown willingness to listen to colleagues on pressing constituency matters.
Describing the erosion challenge as both environmental and humanitarian, Senator Ikpea noted that several communities face displacement risks if decisive action is not taken.
He stressed that ecological degradation, if left unchecked, could undermine development gains and worsen socio-economic conditions in the region.
The lawmaker also commended the Edo State Government for ongoing infrastructural efforts, expressing optimism that synergy between federal and state authorities would yield stronger and more sustainable solutions.
“I am confident that with proper legislative push and coordinated institutional action, we will see tangible results. This is not just about raising a motion; it is about ensuring real impact on the ground,” he assured.
Abuja Times reports that residents of Edo Central have long called for sustained federal intervention to combat expanding gullies and recurring erosion, particularly during heavy rainfall seasons.