Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Agboola Ajayi has pledged to tackle the ongoing sea incursion affecting the coastal community of Ayetoro in Ondo State if elected. The community, located in Ilaje Local Government Area, has struggled with recurrent ocean surges that have destroyed homes, farmlands, and infrastructure, forcing many residents to relocate. Ajayi, during a recent campaign stop in the region, assured residents that his administration would prioritize Ayetoro’s environmental challenges and implement lasting measures to protect the area from further damage.
Ajayi criticized the current administration’s response to the crisis, describing it as inadequate and neglectful of the people’s needs. He highlighted the impact of the surges on the community’s economic and social life, stressing that residents cannot continue to live in fear of losing their homes and livelihoods to the ocean. Ajayi argued that past interventions have lacked the necessary commitment and expertise to bring about a real solution, which he intends to change by collaborating with environmental experts and allocating the needed resources.
As part of his plan, Ajayi proposed implementing a series of coastal defense mechanisms, including reinforcing sea walls and launching environmental restoration projects aimed at restoring the coastline and preventing further erosion. Ajayi emphasized that his administration would work with both local and international environmental bodies to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of these efforts.
The PDP candidate’s commitment resonates with Ayetoro residents who have endured years of governmental neglect and are hopeful that this election could bring about the support they desperately need. Ajayi also underscored that his broader agenda for Ondo State includes an emphasis on sustainable environmental management, particularly for its vulnerable coastal areas.
