● Group partners Bayelsa State Government to curb deforestation, illegal logging, and promote community-driven forest protection.
The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Egbemo Clan Chapter, has taken decisive steps to support the Bayelsa State Government’s environmental protection agenda, with a working visit to Ogbotobo Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area.
The delegation, led by Comrade Egbe Tamaraudoubra Gibson, alias Akeem, Chairman of MOSIEND Egbemo Clan, met with traditional rulers, community stakeholders, and representatives of the Loggers’ Association to strengthen collaboration on forest protection, sustainable resource use, and community sensitization.
Speaking during the strategic visit, Comrade Egbe Tamaraudoubra explained that MOSIEND’s presence in Ogbotobo was part of its official mandate to enforce environmental compliance and monitoring the State Government’s ban on tree felling and illegal transportation of logs from Bayelsa to Delta State through the waterways.
He recalled that in January 2025, the Ministry of Environment announced a total ban on logging across the state and approved MOSIEND to assist in enforcement within the Egbemo Clan.
“Our mission is clear; to enforce environmental compliance and monitoring on indiscriminate logging, protect our forests, and promote sustainable livelihoods,” Comrade Egbe said. “The future of our environment and the survival of our people depend on responsible stewardship of these resources.”
He further outlined 15 key reasons behind the government’s decision, including uncontrolled deforestation, biodiversity loss, illegal smuggling, and environmental degradation such as flooding, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite the ban, he noted that unregulated logging remains rampant, with Egbemo Clan serving as a major hub for timber operations. Communities like Ogbotobo function as key transit points, while Azagbene, Onguluba, Azatitor, Lokiri, Ogua, Tobuama, are primary extraction sites.
To strengthen community participation, MOSIEND recently launched the “Do Your Own” Campaign, encouraging residents to take ownership of forest protection and environmental enforcement.
During a courtesy visit to HRH. Chidiwei T. Roland (Amananawei of Ogbotobo), attended by Chief Pereyeibo Clark (Acting Highness of Agbayama) HRH. Seaboy Age (Amananawei of Tonton-ama), as well as Mr. Saviour Peter, Chairman of the Loggers Association and other union representatives, Comrade Egbe reaffirmed MOSIEND’s commitment to working in harmony with local authorities.
He noted that in 2023, His Royal Majesty, Engr. A.Z. Agoh, the Ibenanawei of Egbemo Clan, gave MOSIEND a royal mandate to promote sustainable forest management in line with government policies; a directive that led to MOSIEND’s registration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment for environmental monitoring and enforcement.
“Government efforts alone cannot achieve total compliance,” Egbe emphasized. “Community ownership and participation are crucial in protecting our environment for future generations.”
Responding, HRH. Roland Y. Ehidewei, Pere-Opu-Oburu IV of Ogbotobo and community leaders, commended both the state government and MOSIEND for their environmental initiatives but highlighted the following concerns:
1. Economic Dependence: Many residents depend on logging for survival; enforcement without alternative livelihoods could deepen economic hardship.
2. Irregular Permitting: Conflicting and multiple permits issued by different agencies cause confusion and exploitation.
3. Revenue and Employment: The community called for the establishment of a sawmill in Ogbotobo to generate internal revenue and create jobs for local youths.
4. Local Inclusion: They appealed for Egbemo indigenes to be prioritized in future forestry and environmental job placements.
Following deliberations, the following resolutions were jointly adopted:
Clarify and standardize the legal status of forestry contractors to curb impersonation and unauthorized levy collection.
Intensify enforcement at identified logging hotspots within the Egbemo Clan.
Strengthen sensitization and ongoing engagement with traditional institutions, youth groups, and oil companies to promote reforestation and climate action.
Establish community-based enforcement units (“BIT Teams”) in strategic communities such as Ogbotobo to impound illegal logs and deter violators.
As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), the MOSIEND delegation also organized a free health outreach in partnership with the Bayelsa State Tuberculosis Program.
The outreach offered free tuberculosis screening, HIV and syphilis testing, deworming for adults and children, eye tests with free eyeglass distribution, and malaria testing with free treatment.
“We believe that protecting the environment and promoting public health go hand in hand,” Egbe added.
