World Environment Day: Poroye Leads Call to Rescue Aiyetoro from Environmental Disaster

For decades, Aiyetoro stood as a symbol of prosperity and resilience along Nigeria’s Atlantic coastline. Today, however, the historic riverine community is fighting for survival as rising sea levels and relentless ocean surges continue to consume its land, homes and critical infrastructure.

Concerned by the worsening environmental crisis, the Executive Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Biyi Poroye, has called for urgent local and international intervention to prevent the total disappearance of the community and other vulnerable coastal settlements in Ondo State.

According to him, Aiyetoro and neighbouring coastal settlements have suffered some of the worst environmental catastrophes in recent history, with rising sea levels and coastal erosion destroying homes, schools, healthcare facilities, businesses and critical infrastructure.

“The warning signs are everywhere. We are not here merely to celebrate World Environment Day. We are here because Ilaje and Ese-Odo riverine communities face the triple challenges of sea incursion, submergence and the looming extinction of some communities,” he said.

Poroye revealed that the Atlantic Ocean has swallowed more than 80 per cent of Aiyetoro’s original landmass, washing away hundreds of homes and displacing thousands of residents.

He added that over 80 per cent of the town’s original 45 streets have been overtaken by the sea, while iconic structures, including a historic church and a technical college, have disappeared beneath the waves.

He noted that communities such as Awoye, Gbagira and Mese are currently experiencing environmental conditions even more severe than those confronting Aiyetoro.

The OSOPADEC boss lamented that the persistent ocean surge has led to widespread coastal erosion, destruction of wetlands, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources and the loss of biodiversity, thereby worsening the socio-economic realities of affected residents.

“Aiyetoro was once a thriving and prosperous settlement. Today, local commerce has been crippled, livelihoods destroyed and families displaced. People live daily with the fear of losing what remains of their homes and heritage,” he stated.
Poroye emphasized that climate change is no longer a local issue but a global challenge requiring collective action from governments, international development partners, oil companies, financial institutions, philanthropists and community stakeholders.

He called on the Federal Government, international agencies, the United Nations, the World Bank, donor organizations and private sector actors to join forces in combating the environmental threats facing coastal communities in Ondo State.

The OSOPADEC Chairman also commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to environmental sustainability and the development of oil-producing communities, while appreciating the Ondo State Ministry of Environment for its partnership in promoting environmental protection.

Highlighting the significance of the 2026 World Environment Day theme, “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future,” Poroye urged residents and stakeholders to embrace climate-resilient practices such as tree planting, shoreline clean-up initiatives and sustainable environmental management.

He reaffirmed OSOPADEC’s commitment to supporting interventions aimed at safeguarding vulnerable communities and rebuilding Aiyetoro into a resilient, thriving and sustainable coastal settlement.

“The future of Aiyetoro will be determined by the choices we make today. We must act now to reclaim our land, protect our people and secure the future of generations yet unborn,” he declared.

The World Environment Day celebration attracted government officials, environmental experts, community leaders, traditional rulers, development partners and residents from across the state’s riverine communities.