A Bayelsa State activist based in the United Kingdom, Dr. Evans Ogoun, has criticised the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ben Ebi Ololo urging him to focus on more pressing environmental challenges rather than what he described as undue attention on a chimpanzee-related issue.
Dr. Ogoun said the level of attention being given to the chimpanzee matter would be better directed toward serious environmental problems currently affecting communities across the state. He argued that the Ministry of Environment should prioritise issues that have direct consequences on the lives and safety of residents.
According to the activist, several communities in Brass Local Government Area are gradually being submerged due to persistent coastal erosion. He said the erosion has continued unchecked for years, with large portions of land being lost to advancing water.
Dr. Ogoun noted that the situation in Brass has become alarming, as entire communities are increasingly vulnerable to flooding and displacement. He added that despite the visible impact of the erosion, little has been done to provide lasting solutions or protective infrastructure.
He explained that coastal erosion in the area has affected homes, farmlands, and fishing activities, which serve as the main sources of livelihood for many residents. According to him, the continued neglect of the problem has left affected communities exposed to environmental and economic hardship.
The activist also raised concerns about the poor state of drainage and gutter systems in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. He said most of the drainage channels in the city are either damaged, blocked, or no longer functional.
Dr. Ogoun stated that as a result of the poor drainage system, even light rainfall is enough to cause widespread flooding in Yenagoa. He said roads, residential areas, and business premises are often submerged, making movement difficult for residents.
He added that the frequent flooding has become a major challenge for people living in the state capital. According to him, flooding disrupts daily activities, damages property, and poses health risks due to stagnant water and poor sanitation.
Dr. Ogoun said the recurring flooding in Yenagoa reflects long-standing neglect and inadequate maintenance of critical infrastructure. He argued that addressing drainage problems should be a major priority for the environment ministry.
The activist expressed concern that the ministry appears more focused on a chimpanzee issue than on tackling these long-standing environmental challenges. He said such an approach gives the impression that the government is disconnected from the real issues affecting the people.
He stated that the attention currently being given to the chimpanzee matter could be better used to address erosion in Brass and flooding in Yenagoa. According to him, these problems have continued to worsen despite repeated calls for government intervention.
Commenting on the issue of forest reserves, Ogoun said that if the government is genuinely concerned about protecting forest areas, it should focus on putting proper security measures in place. He explained that effective security would prevent intruders from entering protected areas and engaging in illegal activities.
Dr. Ogoun said strengthening security in forest reserves would help curb activities such as illegal logging and environmental degradation. He added that enforcement of environmental laws is critical to preserving the state’s natural resources.
He also stressed the importance of public sensitisation on forest conservation. According to him, educating residents on the value of preserving forests would help prevent future incidents and encourage community participation in environmental protection.
The activist noted that Bayelsa State faces unique environmental challenges due to its coastal location and fragile ecosystem. He warned that failure to address erosion, flooding, and poor infrastructure could have severe long-term consequences for the state.
He called on the commissioner to redirect its attention and resources toward addressing these pressing environmental concerns. Ogoun said meaningful progress can only be achieved through proactive planning, proper implementation, and sustained commitment.
He concluded by urging the environment commissioner to focus on practical actions that would improve the living conditions of Bayelsa residents. According to him, tackling erosion, flooding, and infrastructure decay should take precedence over issues that do not address the immediate needs of the people.
