News
Odidi Oil Spill: Community Demands Urgent Action as Pollution Threatens Livelihoods
By staff reporter Rukevwe Odeh
Residents of Odidi community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State have intensified calls for urgent intervention over an alleged prolonged crude oil spill that they say has polluted their waterways, fishing areas and farmlands.
The controversy centres on facilities associated with Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), with community members accusing the company and relevant authorities of failing to adequately address the environmental situation.
The affected residents say the pollution has persisted for months, putting pressure on families whose livelihoods depend largely on fishing and farming. Similar concerns have recently triggered protests by women from the community, who demanded immediate containment of the spill, environmental cleanup and government intervention.
The protesters reportedly marched to Heritage Energy’s operational office in Warri on September 1, expressing frustration over what they described as prolonged environmental degradation and the impact on their economic activities.
According to the community, the continued presence of crude in their environment has made fishing increasingly difficult and affected access to productive farmland.
The Odidi situation is also part of wider environmental concerns being raised in parts of Delta State. Environmental campaigners have previously called for stronger government intervention over reported oil pollution affecting riverine communities and urged regulatory agencies to ensure prompt containment and remediation.
Questions have consequently been raised about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s environmental regulatory framework, particularly the speed with which oil-spill incidents are investigated, contained and cleaned up.
Regulatory agencies, including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), are expected to establish the cause of the incident, determine responsibility and ensure that appropriate remediation measures are implemented.
For residents of Odidi, however, the priority remains stopping the pollution and restoring the environment.
The community is calling for immediate containment of the spill, comprehensive cleanup of affected areas and measures to protect the livelihoods of residents who depend on the surrounding waterways and farmland.
The situation has once again highlighted the long-standing environmental challenges confronting oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta, where residents continue to demand that economic activities in the petroleum sector should go hand in hand with environmental protection and accountability.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
A group of stakeholders in Warri has announced its decision to withdraw support for the incumbent member representing the Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, while explaining its position, cited what it described as dissatisfaction with the lawmaker’s performance and representation of the constituency.
The stakeholders subsequently declared their support for Comrade Jude Ukori Mulade as their preferred candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
According to the group, its decision followed concerns over the level of representation and development delivered to the constituency under the current administration.
The stakeholders said they were seeking a representative who would be more responsive to the needs of the people and more committed to advancing issues affecting residents across the constituency.
They urged other political stakeholders and eligible voters in Warri to consider Mulade’s candidacy as the 2027 elections approach.
The group’s endorsement adds to the growing political activities and realignments expected to shape the contest for the Warri Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ereyitomi, who currently represents the constituency in the House of Representatives, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations contained in the group’s statement.
By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh
Residents and road users along the Warri Airport Road, particularly the section near Federal Government College in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, have continued to contend with recurring flooding despite years of road construction and rehabilitation efforts.
The affected stretch is frequently submerged following heavy rainfall, with inadequate drainage identified as a major factor contributing to the persistent flooding.
The recurring situation has raised concerns among motorists, residents and other road users, who say the condition of the road continues to disrupt movement and create difficulties for commuters whenever there is significant rainfall.
The development has also renewed calls for attention to the drainage system along the route, with residents hoping that a lasting solution will be implemented to prevent the road from repeatedly becoming flooded.
By staff Reporter: Rukevwe Odeh
A heavy downpour has left the popular NNPC Housing Complex Road, also known as Ekpan Link Road, submerged in floodwater in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The rainfall caused significant water accumulation along the busy road, affecting movement and creating difficulties for motorists and other road users.
The condition of the road has renewed concerns over flooding and drainage challenges in the area, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Residents and commuters are expected to exercise caution while using the affected route as efforts to manage the situation continue.
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