Egbema Kingdom Underdevelopment Rooted in Deprivation, Marginalization, and Ethnic Bias, ___ Egbema Agog,
Egbema Kingdom Underdevelopment Rooted in Deprivation, Marginalization, and Ethnic Bias
By EgbemaVoice,
The Niger Delta youth leader, Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka, has expressed deep concern over the prolonged marginalization of Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State. He criticized the Delta State Government for decades of neglect, leaving Egbema Kingdom lagging in development and infrastructure.
Comrade Mingo lamented that the current administration, led by Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, has perpetuated this trend. Despite touring other oil-producing kingdoms across the state, the governor has not visited Egbema Kingdom to witness firsthand the challenges faced by its people. "Projects are awarded, commissioned, and appointments are made, yet none benefit Egbema Kingdom. Our people are suffering in silence," Mingo stated.
Egbema Kingdom, one of the most populous riverine communities in Delta State and a major oil and gas producer hosting several multinational companies, remains underdeveloped. Comrade Mingo highlighted systemic oppression and disenfranchisement that have rendered the kingdom's population ineffective. This neglect was starkly evident during the recent delineation exercise and past elections, which he claims exposed the extent of political bias against Egbema.
Tracing the issue back to previous administrations, Mingo criticized successive Delta State governors, from 1999 to 2015, for ethnically skewed appointments that excluded the Ijaw people of Egbema. While acknowledging that former Governor Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa made strides toward equitable leadership in Warri North, the overarching trend of favoritism continues to sideline Egbema Kingdom.
Mingo called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to visit Egbema Kingdom and address the plight of its residents. He underscored the kingdom's dire state:
1. Infrastructure Deficit: No electricity poles, functioning hospitals, clean water supply, or bridges connecting the upland for economic access.
2. Security Concerns: No marine police station to safeguard the waterways.
3. Youth Development: No youth acquisition centers or job opportunities for Egbema youth.
4. Education: The absence of higher institutions limits the kingdom's academic and professional advancement.
5. Political Representation: Egbema has no representatives in the governor’s cabinet or commissioner appointments to advocate for its interests.
The neglect, he said, is "unbearable" and poses a severe threat to the future of Egbema’s sons and daughters. "Egbema Kingdom deserves to be treated as a vital part of Delta State, not as third-class citizens," Mingo emphasized.
He urged the state government to recognize Egbema's contributions to Delta’s economy and prioritize its development. "We need immediate interventions to ensure equitable opportunities and infrastructure for our people," Mingo concluded.
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