OPINION: Why Egbema Remains Underdeveloped – A Powerful Call for Unity and Action

 


OPINION: Why Egbema Remains Underdeveloped – A Powerful Call for Unity and Action

By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi

Egbema Kingdom — stretching proudly across Delta and Edo States — is a land of oil, gas, fertile soil, culture, and great minds. Yet, many of our communities still lack good roads, portable water, electricity, hospitals, and quality schools. This is not just a tragedy; it is a challenge that calls for urgent collective action.

1. Disunity Among Leaders

A house divided against itself cannot stand. Disunity among our leaders has left us weak, easily manipulated, and unable to speak with a single voice.

Call to Action: “One Voice, One Kingdom, One Destiny.” We must build consensus and forge unity among chiefs, political representatives, youth leaders, and opinion shapers.

Practical Steps:

2. Kingship Tussles

Years of prolonged kingship disputes have slowed down development, deepened divisions, and weakened our negotiating strength with government and oil companies.

Call to Action: “Settle the Throne, Settle the Land.”

Practical Steps:

  • Traditional rulers and kingmakers must reconcile factions.

  • Use community dialogue, arbitration, and legal resolution to end disputes.

  • Install a recognized monarch accepted by the majority.

3. Marginalization by Government

Despite being an oil-producing kingdom, we suffer government neglect. Our roads are impassable, health centres are few, and bridges linking our communities are non-existent.

Call to Action: “No Development, No Silence.”

Practical Steps:

  • Write formal petitions to state and federal governments.

  • Mobilize peaceful demonstrations and media campaigns.

  • Partner with human rights organizations to amplify our demands.

4. Selfish and Visionless Leadership

Some elites enrich themselves at the expense of the community. This breeds mistrust and fuels anger among the people.

Call to Action: “Hold Leaders Accountable — Our Resources Must Work for Us.”

Practical Steps:

  • Audit all community funds and development projects.

  • Publicly name and shame those who divert resources.

  • Elect only visionary and transparent leaders.

5. Oil Exploitation Without Compensation

Our rivers are polluted, our farmlands destroyed, and our people are left to suffer. Yet, oil companies continue to make billions from our land.

Call to Action: “Clean Our Land, Pay Our People.”

Practical Steps:

  • Demand Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for every project.

  • Insist on adequate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.

  • Take legal action against oil spills and neglect.

6. Youth Restiveness and Unemployment

The energy of our youth must be channeled into productivity, not crime.

Call to Action: “Empower Youth, Secure the Future.”

Practical Steps:

7. Weak Political Representation

Without strong voices at the state and federal levels, Egbema’s interests will always come last.

Call to Action: “Vote Smart, Support Leaders Who Defend Egbema.”

Practical Steps:

  • Mobilize massive voter registration in Egbema communities.

  • Support candidates who are passionate about community development.

  • Form a strong political pressure group to engage elected officials.

8. Poor Infrastructure

Lack of roads, electricity, schools, and healthcare is keeping us in poverty.

Call to Action: “Roads, Bridges, Schools, Hospitals — Not Promises.”

Practical Steps:

  • Demand inclusion of Egbema projects in state and federal budgets.

  • Set up community monitoring teams to ensure projects are executed.

  • Collaborate with NGOs to fund community-driven projects.

9. Divided Youth Groups

Youth groups are supposed to be the vanguard of progress, but division makes them tools for politicians.

Call to Action: “Egbema Youth, Stand as One.”

Practical Steps:

10. Education and Cultural Advancement

We must raise literacy levels and embrace both culture and modern knowledge.

Call to Action: “Books and Culture — Our Double Strength.”

Practical Steps:

11. Constructive Engagement with Government

Agitation must be combined with diplomacy.

Call to Action: “Talk Smart, Act Bold.”

Practical Steps:

  • Engage with ministries, NDDC, and oil companies regularly.

  • Use media houses to project Egbema’s challenges.

  • Document all demands and follow up consistently.

The Way Forward

Egbema must rise as one. Our future depends on:

  • Unity: Healing divisions among leaders and youth.

  • Peace: Resolving kingship tussles amicably.

  • Accountability: Monitoring leaders and demanding transparency.

  • Advocacy: Speaking with one voice to government and oil companies.

  • Empowerment: Educating and empowering our youth.

Tags: #Egbema #NigerDelta #GoodGovernance #YouthEmpowerment #Unity #CommunityDevelopment #OilCommunities

Source: Community Advocacy & Development Report


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