I recently returned from a trip to Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State, where I had the chance to visit several communities, including areas around Ogboinbiri and nearby clans.
As someone who’s been there on the ground just weeks ago (in early February 2026), walking through the creeks, talking to fishermen and farmers, and seeing the realities firsthand, the environmental devastation from oil activities hits you hard—it’s not abstract; it’s right in front of you, choking the life out of these riverine communities.
The creeks and waterways, which these people have relied on for generations as their primary source of food, water, and livelihood, are still marred by dark slicks and sheens from past and lingering spills. In places like the Ogboinbiri/Tebidaba pipeline corridor, operated by Oando Energy Resources, the impact of earlier incidents (including those reported in 2025) remains visible: dead fish floating or washed ashore, mangroves dying off in patches, and soil so contaminated that farming small plots yields nothing viable anymore.
During my visit, locals showed me sections where the water has that unmistakable oily iridescence, and the smell of hydrocarbons lingers even after cleanup claims. Communities are still pushing for proper remediation, with some issuing ultimatums over unresolved spills from late 2025 into early 2026, as seen in nearby areas like Agge.
This isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a direct health crisis. People drink from or cook with water that’s tainted, leading to rising cases of skin rashes, respiratory problems, stomach issues, and long-term fears of cancers and birth defects, as documented in Niger Delta reports over the years.
Fishing yields have plummeted, forcing many into poverty or risky alternatives, while farmlands turn barren from soil pollution. Floods compound it all, spreading contaminants further and making recovery even harder.
These hazards aren’t theoretical; I spoke to families who’ve lost loved ones to unexplained illnesses they link to the pollution, and children playing near polluted banks without realizing the risks.
That’s why the persistent petitions and advocacy by Hon. Engr. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei are so crucial and deserve real praise.
As the representative for Southern Ijaw, he’s not just talking from Abuja—he’s been pushing these issues nationally through formal channels.
His 2025 petition on the Ogboinbiri spill, calling for comprehensive cleanup, relief materials, and compensation for affected residents, directly addresses what I witnessed.
He laid it before the House, urging action against operators like Oando to enforce remediation under laws like the Petroleum Industry Act. Even earlier motions in 2024 highlighted leakages in communities like Foropah, Ekeni, and Ezetu, pressing agencies to assess damage and act.
What stands out is his commitment to following through. His recent constituency engagements, including relief distributions post-floods and medical outreaches (the second phase wrapped up around early February 2026, helping thousands), show he’s on the ground assessing needs firsthand.
By amplifying these voices in the National Assembly, he’s holding oil companies and regulators accountable, fighting for environmental justice in a region that produces Nigeria’s wealth but bears the toxic burden.
It’s inspiring to see a leader who refuses to let these crises fade into the background. Hon. Ambaiowei is doing vital work—pushing for cleanup, health safeguards, and fair compensation—that could make a tangible difference for the people I met, whose resilience amid hardship is remarkable.
He deserves commendation for turning local suffering into national urgency and working toward a cleaner, healthier future for Southern Ijaw.
Pamela O.political strategist and columnist.
