Egbema Youths Block Oil Giants Over Deadly Roads: Sterling Global Agrees to Dialogue, Seplat Shuns Engagement,

Egbema Youths Stage Peaceful Blockade Against Oil Giants Over Deadly Roads, Sterling Global Yield to Dialogue, Seplat Abscond.

DATELINE: 

Etekwuru Roundabout Egbema;

Ohaji-Egbema LGA;

It was a dramatic yet peaceful showdown over the derelicted Amafor–Adapalm–Etekwuru corridor on Thursday as the Egbema Central Youth Association (EYA), led by their action-driven President, *Comrade* *Mayor Henry Alimezie*, mobilized his Taskforce Units to blockade and seize operational trucks of Sterling Global Nigeria and Seplat Oil Company, protesting the horrendous state of the Road savaged by the constant passage of Heavy-duty Vehicles belonging to said Oil Companies.

The spontaneous blockade at Etekwuru Roundabout turned into a decisive day of emergency interface. Trucks laden with oil and gas cargo were trapped under the custody of the youths, who demanded immediate rehabilitation of the road. -now a dangerous deathtrap for motorists, cyclists and residents, posing no less an appalling economic setback on the populace.

*The Emergency Dialogue* 

An emergency meeting, convened at Dicopes Hotel, Etekwuru, brought together all stakeholders after hours of tense standoff.

On the Youth Leadership Side were:

Comrade Mayor Henry Alimezie (EYA President);

Mr Chibuike (Vice President from Obokofia Community);

Andrew Eluha (Alhaji Danto, the Public Relations Officer, from Etekwuru);

Secretary General and other Excos, alongside Youth Taskforce leaders holding ground at the blockade.

On the Sterling Global Side were:

Agu Base Manager;

Chief Civil Manager;

Company CLO, Mr. Chidi;

Community CLO, Chief Ebi Stanley (who played a pivotal mediating role);

Other Senior Staff.

On the Government/Security Side were:

Major Yakubu, Egbema Sector Commander, Nigerian Army;

Commander Yakubu, of Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, Agu Base of Sterling Global;

Mr. Kendrick Amadioha, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ohaji-Egbema LGA;

Other Petroleum Ministry Representatives.

Resolution Reached

What began as heated exchanges of back-and-forth gradually yielded progress through the firm yet balanced mediation of Chief Ebi Stanley the Community CLO and Major Yakubu the Army Sector Commander. 

After lots of pendelumities of stances and counter-demands on both sides, Sterling Global conceded to begin immediate rehabilitation of the most critical portions of the road with stonebase and asphalt mix, starting Tuesday next week. The agreement extended beyond Sterling's earlier offer of fixing only "four (4) worst spots" to a broader stretch from Amafor to Etekwuru Roundabout.

Sterling also committed to offer casual employments, compensations and further engagement with youths during the rehabilitation, which they assured will not last beyond October ending for completion.

On the other hand, Seplat Oil Company -whose loaded trucks were also seized, was conspicuously absent from the interface, making only apologetic phone calls -an attitude condemned by the youths as “unethical and irresponsible,” especially in contrast to Sterling’s responsive and positive presence.

*A People-Centered Leadership* 

This bold action by the Egbema Youths, coupled with their disciplined, peaceful conduct, has been widely lauded across Ohaji-Egbema Communities and the Security Agencies as a show of responsible people-centered leadership. Residents, commuters, traders and local leaders poured encomiums on *Comrade Mayor Henry* *Alimezie*, whose selfless and relentless push for the welfare of, not only his people but the general public, continues to redefine youth leadership in the region and State.

As dusk fell, trapped trucks were released, and the people went home with renewed hope -singing praises of Mayor Henry’s courage and praying for more blessings on his visionary leadership.

"Seplat, expect us" declared the emboldened youths as they winded up for the day.