Frank Esenwah, the member representing Oshimili North in the Delta State House of Assembly, has voiced deep concern over the alarming spread of gully erosion threatening several communities within his constituency.
Speaking with journalists in Asaba, Esenwah highlighted the dire situation in Igbuzor, Illah, Ogbeozoma New Layout, and the Amachai area of Okpanam, where the erosion has already displaced numerous residents.
The lawmaker revealed that he was personally affected, having been forced to abandon his over 20-year-old home in Illah due to the advancing gullies.
“The house I built in Illah more than two decades ago is now threatened by a gully that could swallow a three-storey building,” he said. “It’s just a hundred metres from the erosion site. I’ve had to walk away from it.”
Esenwah emphasized that several areas in Okpanam face similar threats, with erosion sites dangerously close to residential buildings. “Some homes are literally at the edge. If you visit behind Talitta, you’d be shocked to see how close the gullies are to where people live,” he added.
He noted that efforts were ongoing to address the problem in collaboration with the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), particularly in parts of Amachai and Ogbeozoma New Layout.
“Thankfully, being in the mainstream political party now gives us better chances of accessing funding to deal with these issues,” Esenwah stated. He also called on the media to amplify advocacy efforts to ensure gully erosion becomes a government priority.
The lawmaker reiterated his commitment to delivering impactful representation for the people of Oshimili North. As part of activities marking his two years in office this June, he announced plans to launch empowerment programmes targeting women, youths, and men in the constituency.
Esenwah also disclosed his intention to introduce two new bills, in addition to those he has co-sponsored, aimed at promoting socio-economic development across the state.
He commended the leadership of Speaker Emomotimi Guwor and lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as “unprecedented performance” in his first two years in office.
He encouraged constituents to continue supporting the Oborevwori administration’s programmes, noting they are designed to enhance the welfare of Deltans and accelerate the state’s development.