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Omokehinde Mafolabomi

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UG005 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GIRLS' COLLEGE, AKURE 

THE ECOLOGICAL DEVASTATION OF ILAJELAND AND MATTERS ARISING.

The Hydra-headed issue of the ecological devastation of Ilajeland and matters arising is both a generational and a wake up call to everyone on the onerous task of appraising the feeble efforts in time past to save the Ilajeland from others and herself. In as much as nature is self-healing, man and his activities tend to no captives.

The world Ilaje from Araromi, Igbo-eedun to Molutehin and beyond had hitherto been an exclusive paradise to the outside world until they coming of the whites and their devices. Oil exploration add chain to the fire. Ilajeland's forest and water became the first casualty.

Ecological devastation refers to the severe and widespread destruction or damage to nature ecosystem and environment resulting in a long-term negative consequences.

Ilaje, a coastal region in Ondo State, Nigeria, is facing severe ecological devastation primarily due to oil exploration and coastal erosion caused by ocean surges. This has resulted in loss of land, displacement of communities, damage to infrastructure and disruptions to livelihood particularly fishing and farming.

Firstly, coastal erosion and ocean surges, Ilaje's shoreline is experiencing significant erosion with communities like Ayetoro, Abereke, Jinrinwo and so on are losing vast stretches of land to the ocean. Recurring ocean surges causing damage to infrastructure like schools, power supply, transportation system and farmland. The destruction of infrastructure including schools and independent power supplies disrupts daily life and essential access to communication.

Secondly, oil exploration impacts, oil exploration in the Niger Delta including Ilaje have led to significant environmental pollution. Oil spills contaminate water sources, impacting aquatic life and causing health problem to the residents. Pollution from oil exploration degrades the land and affect agricultural yields. When oil provide revenue, it's extraction has not translated in to improved living communities in Ilajeland.

Thirdly, climate change impact, sea level rise due to climate change is a major contributor to coastal erosion and flooding in a Ilajeland. Climate change also leads to loss of life and properties. When the sea waves comes, it destroys a lot of things and leads to death also. Climate change also affect the population of the fish which then won't allow the fisherman to catch fish. When the saltwater flows to the freshwater it leads to the death of the aquatic beings which can't survive in saltwater.

Furthermore, Social economic consequences, ecological devastation leads to displacement of communities, destruction of infrastructure, and disruption to traditional livelihood including fishing and farming. Many residents are being forced to migrate to other area in search of better living condition.

Matters arising in their ecological devastation in Nigeria land includes lack of infrastructure and social amenities such as healthcare service, drinkable water, electricity, etc.

Many youths lack job opportunity and many of them are into criminal activities to survive. Another major concern is lack of record or accountability on the parts of oil companies that continue operation without adequate proper environmental safety. Little or no compensation are not provided to the affected communities.

To address this issues, oil companies must invest in community development, education, healthcare and infrastructure. Empower the people with training in an alternate means of income. Government should create agency to clean the affected areas.

In conclusion ecological devastation in Ilajeland is an example of how communities with good and rich resources can suffer from exploitation and neglects. This crisis needs urgent attention from the government company and the society to restore environment and improved lives of people. Ilaje land can be tankled and hope for a healthy and sustainable place.

The ecological devastation of Ilajeland and matters arising

in  AFROSKY ESSAY COMPETITION 2025

by Omokehinde Mafolabomi

on 29-06-2025 | "Voting Start & End Date "Jun 28, 2025, 7:00 AMJul 7, 2025, 6:00 PM (Europe/Berlin)

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