26/12/2024
A massage from Uche Isieke
Season’s Greetings to My Beloved Oka Community!
As a proud son of Oka Arutumibe and a committed stakeholder in the growth of our beloved community, I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone as we celebrate this festive season and prepare to usher in the year 2025. We have every reason to thank God for His countless blessings and protection throughout 2024.
Oka is a community of resilience and greatness, and we must continue to uphold these values as we work collectively for sustainable development. I deeply appreciate the strategic efforts of individuals and groups dedicated to ensuring that Oka remains peaceful, united, and forward-looking. Let us embrace a holistic approach to development—improving our education, roads, schools, agriculture, energy, environment, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Our ultimate goal should be inclusivity and sustainability, leaving no sector or individual behind.
However, I must sound a clarion call about activities that degrade our environment, such as sand mining. This practice, while seemingly profitable, has caused devastating environmental consequences worldwide, including erosion, loss of arable land, water pollution, and destruction of biodiversity. In Nigeria, sand mining has led to severe flooding, collapsed buildings, and even the displacement of communities. Our laws, such as the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (2007) and the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (1992), warn against unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. We must heed these warnings and work together to protect our lands for future generations.
As someone who has spent years advocating for environmental conservation, it would be a disservice to my people if I failed to highlight these dangers. I urge every Oka child to wear the garment of doggedness and patriotism as we move our community forward. Let us focus on sustainable ventures that empower us economically while safeguarding our land and heritage.
Together, we can build an Oka that thrives in every sector, one that we can proudly hand over to future generations. May the spirit of the season inspire us to unite and work for the greater good. Wishing you all a joyous celebration and a prosperous 2025 ahead!
Your brother in progress,
Uche Isieke
26/12/2024
