From Janet Okereke, Owerri
Stakeholders from oil-producing communities in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State have called on the Federal Government and the Imo State Government to prioritise the welfare of residents, saying communities that contribute significantly to Nigeria’s oil wealth deserve improved infrastructure, employment opportunities, social amenities and greater political inclusion.
The call was made during a town hall meeting held at Mmahu, Egbema Community, where traditional rulers, political leaders, elected officials, youth and women groups discussed the developmental challenges confronting the oil-bearing communities.
The stakeholders lamented what they described as decades of neglect and marginalisation, despite the area’s vast oil and gas resources, which contribute substantially to government revenue.
Speaking at the meeting, the traditional ruler of Mgbede Autonomous Community in Egbema Kingdom, HRH Chadwick Ogor, said governments at all levels should match the area’s contribution to the nation’s economy with visible development.
“We are not asking for special treatment. Our communities deserve equitable development because we contribute immensely to the nation’s economy. Better roads, quality healthcare, schools, potable water and other basic infrastructure will improve the lives of our people and encourage sustainable development,” he said.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Obuomadike Community in Egbema, HRH Eze Sylvester Okwudo, called for greater government presence in the oil-producing communities through sustained investment in critical infrastructure and social services.
He said improved living conditions would foster peace, reduce youth restiveness and create an enabling environment for economic growth.
A former Chairman of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, Kingsley Ijeoma, said the people deserved greater inclusion in governance and increased access to employment opportunities.
According to him, addressing the area’s developmental deficit would improve livelihoods, strengthen security and reinforce the people’s confidence in government.
An indigene of Egbema and a former governorship candidate, Ejike Chukwu, commended President Bola Tinubu and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for ongoing interventions across the country and the state, but urged both administrations to pay greater attention to the developmental needs of oil-producing communities.
“We appreciate the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hope Uzodimma in advancing development across the country and Imo State. However, communities like ours that produce the resources driving the nation’s economy deserve more deliberate attention. Government should prioritise the provision of infrastructure, basic amenities, employment opportunities and greater political inclusion for our people,” Chukwu said.
He added that translating the wealth generated from the area’s natural resources into tangible development would not only improve residents’ quality of life but also strengthen peace, stability and inclusive economic growth in the oil-producing communities of Ohaji/Egbema.
The stakeholders urged the Federal Government and the Imo State Government to work closely with community leaders and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach oil-producing communities. They noted that sustained investment in the area would promote lasting peace, accelerate economic development and deepen public confidence in government.