Niger Delta Youth Leader, Mingo, Marks Birthday with Call for Completion of Abandoned Udo-Ofunama Road, Laments Neglect of Egbema Kingdom

Niger Delta Youth Leader, Mingo, Marks Birthday with Call for Completion of Abandoned Udo-Ofunama Road, Laments Neglect of Egbema Kingdom,

By EgbemaVoice

A prominent Niger Delta youth leader, Comrade Mingo Friday Saya Ogumaka, has dedicated his birthday anniversary to drawing national attention to the long-abandoned Udo-Ofunama road project awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which has remained uncompleted for more than 14 years.

Ogumaka, who hails from Egbema Kingdom, expressed deep concern over the prolonged neglect of the critical road linking communities in Ovia South-West Local Government Area and Warri North Local Government Area.

Speaking while reflecting on his birthday, the youth leader described the continued abandonment of the road as a painful reminder of the neglect suffered by the people of Egbema Kingdom despite their immense contributions to the Niger Delta and the Nigerian economy.

According to him, the road project, which was awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission, has remained incomplete for over a decade, leaving residents to endure severe hardship, economic difficulties, and transportation challenges.

Ogumaka questioned whether such a vital project would have been abandoned if it were located in the community of the current Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku.

He noted that the project dates back to the administration of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the tenure of Adams Oshiomhole as Governor of Edo State, stressing that it is unacceptable that the project remains abandoned more than fourteen years after it was initiated.

The youth leader called on leaders across the Niger Delta region to shun what he described as sentimental and selective politics, urging them to ensure fairness in the distribution and execution of development projects across all communities in the region.

Ogumaka emphasized that Egbema Kingdom, which spans both Edo and Delta States, is one of the major oil-producing areas in the Niger Delta and has made enormous sacrifices for the development and stability of the region.

“We have sacrificed greatly as a people. Our land produces oil and gas that sustain both the region and the nation, yet the only major road linking our communities has been abandoned for over fourteen years,” he lamented.

He further stated that the abandonment of the road occurred even during the administration of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, despite the critical role played by the people of Egbema and other Niger Delta communities in the struggle for justice, peace, and development in the region.

According to Ogumaka, the people of Egbema paid a heavy price during the agitation for the development of the Niger Delta, a struggle that eventually created opportunities for leaders from the region to occupy strategic national positions, including the presidency.

The youth leader also accused successive administrations in Edo State of sidelining the Ijaw ethnic nationality due to what he described as ethnic bias and tribal politics.

He lamented that for many years Ijaw communities in the state have allegedly been marginalized and deprived of critical infrastructure and development projects.

Ogumaka further alleged that even when individuals and stakeholders attempt to initiate development projects in Ijaw areas, such efforts are often frustrated by ethnic political interests that hinder meaningful progress.

He therefore called on the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, the Federal Government, and the Edo State Government to urgently address what he described as long-standing marginalization of Ijaw communities and ensure the immediate completion of the Udo-Ofunama road, which he described as the economic lifeline of several communities in Egbema Kingdom.

While marking his birthday, Ogumaka also expressed heartfelt appreciation to friends, associates, and well-wishers who celebrated with him and showed overwhelming support.

He described the outpouring of love, goodwill, and solidarity from friends, colleagues, school intakes, group members, and youths of Egbema Kingdom as deeply touching and immeasurable.

The youth leader also extended special appreciation to traditional chiefs from the Ajakurama Clan, family members, and supportive families who offered prayers, goodwill messages, and gift items in celebration of his birthday.

Ogumaka particularly thanked members of QRs Warri for their encouragement and solidarity, noting that their support continues to inspire his commitment to the service of his people.

According to him, the massive show of love and solidarity has further strengthened his resolve to continue advocating for justice, development, unity, and equitable treatment for Egbema Kingdom and other marginalized communities across the Niger Delta region.

He reaffirmed his dedication to peaceful advocacy and constructive engagement with government institutions to ensure that communities in the Niger Delta receive the development they rightfully deserve.