The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to establish a special intervention fund dedicated to combating erosion and flooding in Ondo State, particularly in the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, where severe flooding has displaced thousands.
This appeal followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored on Thursday by Hon. Donald Ojogo (APC, Ondo), who raised the alarm over the growing humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing floods that began on July 1, 2025.
Ojogo informed lawmakers that 17 out of the 22 electoral wards in his constituency have been submerged, leaving over 15,000 residents displaced and nine individuals currently hospitalised due to flood-related complications. He emphasized that the extent of the damage required swift federal intervention to prevent further hardship and a possible outbreak of waterborne diseases.
The House also mandated the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately dispatch relief materials to affected communities and provide temporary shelters for those rendered homeless.
Notably, among the victims is a prominent traditional leader—the Traditional Prime Minister (Tarabiritoru) of the Arogbo Ijaw Kingdom—who, according to Ojogo, was displaced from his residence due to the floods.
Lawmakers unanimously supported the motion, underscoring the need for a long-term erosion control strategy and sustainable support mechanisms to protect flood-prone communities in the Niger Delta and other vulnerable regions.