Mingo's Calls for Justice, Equity, Development of Egbema kingdoms Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Imo States, Dedicates Birthday To Egbema Nation,
PRESS STATEMENT BY COMRADE MINGO MESHACH SAYAMI OGUMAKA
A CALL FOR JUSTICE, EQUITY, AND DEVELOPMENT FOR EGBEMA KINGDOMS NATIONWIDE, EDO, DELTA, BAYELSA, RIVERS AND IMO STATES,.
On the occasion of my birthday, I, Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka, also known as KingdomVoice, dedicate this moment to the plight of the Egbema Kingdom. Despite being a major contributor to the wealth of Edo, Delta, Bayelsa , Rivers and Imo States through its abundant oil and gas resources, Egbema Kingdom has been consistently marginalized, politically neglected, and underdeveloped.
The Egbema people, spread across Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Imo States in the Niger Delta region, have faced critical challenges that have hindered their development for decades. These challenges include systemic neglect, environmental degradation, governance failures, and socio-economic inequalities.
Key Challenges
1. Systemic Neglect:
Egbema communities lack basic infrastructure like roads, healthcare facilities, and schools.
This isolation severely hampers their development and access to essential services.
2. Environmental Degradation:
Oil spills and gas flaring have devastated lands and water, destroying livelihoods such as fishing and farming.
3. Governance and Resource Allocation:
Corruption and poor governance have denied oil-rich communities like Egbema the benefits of their resources.
4. Youth Restiveness and Unemployment:
Limited job opportunities and access to education have left many youths frustrated, leading to militancy and social unrest.
5. Marginalization:
Egbema people are excluded from political representation and decision-making processes, fueling agitation for inclusion.
6. Absence of Basic Amenities:
Communities lack proper roads, healthcare facilities, potable water, and functional schools.
7. Political and Traditional Neglect:
Egbema leadership remains unrecognized by the Edo State Traditional Council. deprivation for political appointment,
Over 35 years, Egbema people have only held the council chairman position once, while other key positions are dominated by the Itsekiri, Binis ethnic group in Edo and Delta states,
8. Exploitation of Resources:
Despite hosting multinational oil companies like Chevron, NPDC, SPDC, and others, the kingdom sees little to no benefit from its wealth.
Appeal to Leaders and Stakeholders
I call upon the leadership of Edo and Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Imo States Government, including the Governor's His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, Edo state Governor, His Excellency RT Hon. Chief Sheriff Oborevwori Delta state Governor, Dr. Senator Douye Diri, Bayelsa state Governor, Gov Fubara Simila Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Hope Uzodinma Governor Imo State of th to:
Invest in Critical Infrastructure: Roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and employment programs must be prioritized for Egbema Kingdom.
Empower Egbema Politically and Economically: Address systemic injustices and ensure fair representation.
Hold Multinational Oil Companies Accountable: Enforce corporate social responsibilities and ensure community development.
Call for Federal Intervention
Egbema Kingdom, spread across multiple states, deserves justice and equity. I urge the Federal Government to:
Ensure fair distribution of political appointments, create more Local Government Area and developmental initiatives for Egbema kingdoms.and address marginalization and uphold equity in resource allocation.
Proposed Solutions
1. Infrastructure Development: Prioritize roads, schools, healthcare centers, and electrification projects with adequate funding.
2. Environmental Accountability: Hold oil companies accountable for environmental damage and enforce proper clean-up and compensation measures.
3. Education and Skill Development: Establish vocational training centers, provide scholarships, and improve school facilities.
4. Youth Empowerment Programs: Create opportunities for entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, and economic diversification.
5. Political Inclusion: Advocate for Egbema representation at local, state, and federal levels.
6. Good Governance: Strengthen accountability mechanisms to curb corruption and ensure grassroots development.
7. Peacebuilding Initiatives: Promote dialogue and conflict resolution to sustain peace and security in the region.
8. Special Development Programs: Establish a Niger Delta-focused development fund with emphasis on marginalized communities like Egbema.
Warning Against Further Neglect
The prolonged oppression of Egbema Kingdom has pushed its people to the brink. Restiveness in the region stems directly from decades of systemic neglect. Sustainable peace in the Niger Delta can only be achieved through purposeful leadership, equity, and development.
Appreciation
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who supported me on my birthday, including:
Leaders, elders, Commissioner of police, Honourable members, comrades, and the people of Egbema Kingdom.
Organizations such as the Ajakurama Development Initiative, Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation of Niger Delta, and Ijaw Publishers Forum. Izon Bibi worldwide, kings and Queens Delta state 2007 intakes, Egbema Youth council, IYC Egbema clan, DOPS Asaba Buffalo team, Quick Response squad Warri, Western Zone IYC, Kene Tare Kene ikiyo aka one voice,
Prominent individuals, including Hon. Blessing Fetimi, Hon. Captain Smart Asekutu, Deputy commissioner of police DCP Aina Adesola James, DOPS Asaba, DCP Arotu B. Pere, national Deputy president IYC worldwide Comr, freedom Atigbi, DSP CHARLES Commander Buffalo, DSP Bode S/O DOPS Asaba, comrade Nicolas Igarama Western Zone chairman, comrade Amb Silas Torwei, Comrade Gandi Wisdom Tanimowo, AV executive, my lovely Queen Tessy and children and other supporters.
Conclusion
Let us unite as a people to ensure that the voices of Egbema Kingdom are heard. I remain steadfast in my commitment to advocating for justice, equity, and development for Egbema Kingdom and the Niger Delta region.
Signed:
Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka
Niger Delta Youth Leader and Peace Advocate
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