An end seems to be in sight for the lingering crisis in the Era Community in the Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area in the Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, thanks to the timely intervention of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO).
At a meeting held on Thursday at the Conference Room of MIREMCO Lagos, all parties involved in the crisis resolved to settle their differences in the interest of peace.
Present at the meeting were officers of MIREMCO, the Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN), Operators in the dredging business, the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LSWA), different Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the area, the Baale of Era Community, Chief Olumide Erinle, and representatives of the landowners, among others.
All parties were given the opportunity to present their grievances. At the end of the presentations, the MEC officer in the MIREMCO, Mr. Waheed Popoola, called for the composition of a committee to settle the crisis.
According to him, the committee should consist of the Baale, two representatives each from the operators, landowners, CDAs, and DAN.
“I believe the committee will come up with something positive to resolve the crisis once and for all,” he said.
The Federal Mines Officer (FMO) in the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel, Engr. Abayomi Oyegunshen, stressed that all the parties need to come together for peace to reign in the community.
In the Terms of Reference to the Committee, Hon. Sesan Olanrewaju, the chairman of MIREMCO, charged the members to find a lasting solution to the lingering crisis and ensure that residents and workers in the area live in harmony and peace with each other.
“I want a quick and speedy resolution to the crisis so that all can live happily once again,” said Olanrewaju.
It will be recalled that the once peaceful and thriving community, known for its aquatic resources, has lost its appeal due to the crisis. Residents have accused dredgers of destroying their access roads, while operators claim they have been doing their best to improve the community.
Another settlement meeting is expected to be called to resolve the crisis in a week’s time from now.
