Delta 400bn Projects: EYC demands review over ommission of Egbema Kingdom.,
Egbema Youth Council (EYC) Worldwide Protest against gross Exclusion from N400 Billion Delta State Infrastructure Projects
By EgbemaVoice
The Egbema Youth Council (EYC) Worldwide, under the leadership of its President, Barr. Amatelemowei A. Sode has strongly protested what it describes as the unjust exclusion of Egbema Kingdom from the recently announced N400 billion infrastructure projects by the Delta State Government.
In a statement issued to the press, the youth body expressed deep disappointment over the omission of Egbema communities from the list of beneficiaries despite the kingdom’s long-standing contributions to the economic growth and political stability in Delta State. The council noted that Egbema Kingdom has remained one of the major oil-producing areas in the state, contributing significantly to the state’s internally generated revenue and overall development through its natural resources.
According to Barr. Sode, the people of Egbema have continually supported the state in various ways, including providing a peaceful environment for oil exploration and production activities, which serve as a major source of revenue for the state and the nation at large. He emphasized that beyond their economic contributions, the people of the kingdom have also played critical roles in political processes, including elections, where they have demonstrated unwavering support for the government and democratic institutions.
The EYC President described the exclusion as unfair and unacceptable, stressing that communities that bear the environmental and social impacts of oil exploration deserve to benefit from meaningful infrastructural development. He emphasised that neglecting such communities could undermine the sense of inclusion and partnership that is necessary for sustainable development and peace in the region.
Barr. Sode further explained that Egbema communities continue to face numerous developmental challenges, including poor road networks, lack of modern healthcare facilities, inadequate educational infrastructure and limited access to clean water and electricity. He argued that the N400 billion infrastructure initiative presents a significant opportunity to address these longstanding issues and improve the quality of life for residents in the kingdom. “The exclusion of Egbema Kingdom from a project of this magnitude raises serious concerns,” he said. “Our communities have sacrificed a lot for the development of Delta State and Nigeria as a whole. It is only fair that we are included in the benefits of such large-scale infrastructure investments.”
The council therefore called on the Delta State Government to immediately review the project distribution and ensure that Egbema Kingdom is fairly represented among the beneficiaries. The youth body also urged relevant government agencies and stakeholders to engage with leaders of Egbema communities to identify critical infrastructure needs that should be prioritized.
While reiterating their commitment to peace and constructive dialogue, the Egbema Youth Council plead that continued neglect of oil-producing communities could trigger growing frustration among the youth. The council stressed that development must be inclusive and reflect the contributions of all communities to the state’s progress.
The EYC concluded by appealing to the Delta State Government, political leaders, and development partners to demonstrate fairness, equity, and justice in the allocation of development projects, emphasizing that inclusive governance is essential for long-term stability and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
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