OVIE OF UMIAGHWA-ABRAKA KINGDOM HARPS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING RIVER ETHIOPE


Abraka


Ovie of Umiaghwa-Abraka Kingdom in Ethiope East local government area of Delta State His Royal Majesty (AVM) Lucky Ochuko Ararile (Rtd) Avwaeke the First has called for a proactive measures by  government and all concerned stakeholders in preserving one of Africa's deepest fresh water, River Ethiope.


Avwaeke the First made the call recently at a workshop put together by River Ethiope Trust Foundation, GEF SGP Nigeria held at Gordon's Hotel Abraka.


The Ovie of Umiaghwa-Abraka Kingdom who declared the workshop open lamented the non enforcement of environmental laws, stressing that the River Ethiope has been neglected and abused for so long.



The Monarch who was represented by the Deputy Okanoje of Umiaghwa-Abraka Kingdom, Chief Dr Emmanuel Okonoko, urged stakeholders to sustain the rich biodiversity of the river.


He further implored all to make concerted efforts in ensuring that River Ethiope once again becomes a continuous source of livelihood to all.


Participants at the second stakeholders conference for protection, management, and recognition of River Ethiope acknowledged that the river provides a unique combination of spiritual, cultural, health, safety, recreation and subsistence benefits to the 1.7 million people who live within it’s territory and to all Nigerians.


Chairman of the event, Prof Sunny Egboh decried and condemned the illegal activities of dregging on River Ethiope, noting that if care is not taken, the river will soon be extinct in a couple of years to come.


In his welcome address, President and Founder of River Ethiope Trust Foundation, Mr Irikefe Edafe warned against dumping of toxic waste and illegal dregging of River Ethiope, describing River Ethiope as a living entity as a law giving legal rights to the river comes into effects soon.



According to him, River Ethiope is the first African river with legally recognized rights which can provide a model for recognition of the rights of other rivers in Africa, urging elected representatives to incorporate such recognition into the laws of Delta State and Nigeria.


He however acknowledged the financial support of His Royal Majesty Avwaeke the First to the body, stating that he is the first Traditional Ruler who has done so in the catchment area of the River Ethiope and indeed the entire Delta State and beyond. 


In her keynote address, National  Coordinator,GEF SGP Nigeria, sponsor of the programme,Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, represented by Dr Akpowowo said River Ethiope has gained prominence and need to be sustained, adding that there is need for more creative ideas toward environmental remediation.


Believed to be the deepest inland waterway in Africa,the River Ethiope, unlike sources of other rivers, originates from the foot of a giant silk-cotton tree in a densely populated area  of Umuaja near Umutu in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State. 



The source serves as a sacred site for many worshippers.



In recent years, owing to it’s vast biodiversity and strategic importance to the people of it’s catchment area,the United Nations has shown interest and has through GEF Small Grants Programme supported the restoration and protection of River Ethiope through advocacy and community actions to save it from eminent danger of extinction.



At the end of the workshop, it was resolved that there was the need for vigorous Community advocacy to achieve the conservation of the River Ethiope, whose Bill is now right before the Delta State House of Assembly.



Participants at the workshop later went on a facility tour of the source of River Ethiope in Umuaja, Ukwuani local government area.


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