Project 48 targets 2.5 million voters as LDEF takes Uwasota erosion advocacy to Edo govt

The Leadership Dynamics Empowerment Foundation (LDEF) has pledged to formally engage the Edo State Government over the worsening erosion and flooding menace along Uwasota Road and adjoining communities in Egor Local Government Area, with a view to securing urgent government intervention.

The Founder of LDEF, Mr. Andrew West-Ebi, disclosed this on Wednesday during an inspection visit and community engagement with residents and youths of Uwasota.

West-Ebi, a Nigerian in the diaspora based in Canada, said the visit marked the beginning of a structured advocacy campaign aimed at ensuring that the environmental challenges confronting the community receive the attention of the state government.

He explained that the advocacy was driven by a genuine concern for community development.

West-Ebi commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as his visionary leadership and people-centred governance under the SHINE Agenda, particularly highlighting the administration’s strides in security, education and infrastructure development. He also praised the governor for the ongoing construction of Mechanic Road in Egor Local Government Area.

He stressed that Uwasota Road serves as a critical link to Uwelu Market, one of Edo State’s major commercial hubs that contributes significantly to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), making its rehabilitation an economic necessity.

West-Ebi said LDEF would professionally document the environmental challenges in the area through technical assessments before presenting a comprehensive report and practical recommendations to the Edo State Government.

“Our message is focused on trust, transparency, and realistic commitments. We will professionally advocate on Uwasota community’s behalf and support the process.

“We are committed to supporting communities affected by erosion and flooding through professional environmental assessment, advocacy, and technical solutions,” he said.

He added that the foundation possesses the technical expertise required to assess the environmental degradation and develop sustainable intervention strategies.

“As an indigenous NGO with expertise in environmental management, we are prepared to work with your community to document the extent of the problem through technical assessments and develop a comprehensive report with practical recommendations,” he added.

West-Ebi maintained that sustainable solutions can only be achieved through collaboration among communities, government and technical experts.

“With your cooperation and support, we can work together to pursue sustainable measures that will protect lives, property, and the environment for present and future generations,” he said.

He also urged residents to complement government efforts by embracing environmental responsibility through regular desilting of drainage channels and community sanitation exercises.

“We have to be disciplined as people and embark on periodic environmental sanitation exercises collectively before we start blaming the government,” he stressed.

Responding on behalf of the affected communities, Mr. Favour Ubuane, Zonal Leader of Oviasogie Community, representing Otete, Uwasota, Osakpamwan, Oviasogie and 2nd Otamere elders and youths, commended LDEF for initiating the advocacy visit and lauded Governor Okpebholo for his people-oriented governance.

Ubuane disclosed that the affected communities had earlier written to the Governor, appealing for the completion of the Uwasota Road project and the construction of the Otete–Osakpamwan–Ikponmwosa Road to curb flooding, prevent loss of lives and stimulate economic activities.

He explained that the residents have consistently supported Governor Okpebholo’s administration and remain committed to the progress and development of Edo State.

“We believe that addressing these projects will not only improve the quality of lives of thousands of residents but will also stimulate economic activities, enhance public safety, and restore confidence in government commitments.

“We commend His Excellency’s efforts in developing other parts of the state and respectfully request that our communities also benefit from the same level of attention and intervention,”he said.

LDEF, an indigenous non-governmental organisation dedicated to community empowerment and leadership development, is the sponsor of Project 48, a grassroots political mobilisation initiative designed to strengthen the interface between Governor Okpebholo’s administration and communities across Edo State.

According to the foundation, the project aims to build a robust grassroots structure capable of mobilising, registering and securing 2.5 million verified voters across the state’s three senatorial districts in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

LDEF said the initiative is anchored on Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, with the objective of translating the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, security and governance into sustained grassroots support while promoting community development and citizen engagement.