IJAW NATION HOSTS DELTA GOVERNOR, BUT EGBEMA KINGDOM LAGS BEHIND
Comr. Possy Okpoye Complains Bitterly Over Neglect of Ijaw Communities in Warri North
The Ijaw Nation rolled out the drums few days ago to host Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over his developmental strides in Ijaw land. From Bomadi to Burutu, traditional rulers and political leaders praised the governor’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, citing roads, schools, health centres, and empowerment programmes that have touched several riverine communities. The governor was even honoured with the title _Izon Ebidowei of Delta_ for his efforts.
But while the celebration went on, a painful contrast played out in Egbema Kingdom, particularly in the Ijaw communities of Warri North Local Government Area. There, the story is different. No development. No infrastructural projects. The people still live without proper basic amenities — no motorable roads, no potable water, no functional health facilities, and epileptic electricity. For many, government presence remains a rumour.
Comrade Possy Okpoye, a community advocate from Egbema, has complained bitterly over the neglect. Speaking to reporters after the Bomadi event, Okpoye said it is heartbreaking to watch other Ijaw clans celebrate projects while Egbema Ijaws in Warri North are forgotten. “Are we not Ijaw too? Do we not produce oil? Why are we behind? Our children cross rivers daily to attend secondary school. Our mothers deliver babies in canoes. This is 2026,” he lamented.
Okpoye noted that the Udo-Ofunama Road, a critical 30km stretch that would link various Egbema communities to Warri, has been abandoned for decades. He said successive governments, including the NDDC and DESOPADEC, have paid lip service to the project. “We saw the NDDC boss in Delta recently. We saw the big endorsement in Bomadi. But nobody mentioned Egbema. Nobody mentioned Udo-Ofunama Road. A link road that connects the entire Egbema kingdom both Warri North and Ovia South-West area. Are we invisible?” he asked.
The activist warned that the continued neglect of Egbema Kingdom could breed disaffection among Ijaw youths in Warri North. He called on Governor Oborevwori, the Delta State Government, NDDC, and the federal government to urgently intervene with infrastructure projects that will last for decades. “We are not asking for too much. Give us roads, give us jetties, give us light, give us schools, give us the necessary basic amenities. Let Egbema feel the same M.O.R.E. Agenda others are celebrating,” Okpoye said.
As the Ijaw Nation celebrates developmental strides, the cry from Egbema is a reminder that Ijaw land is not yet fully developed. Until the Ijaws in Warri North enjoy proper basic amenities, the job is not done. Comr. Possy Okpoye’s complaint is bitter, but it is the bitter truth — Egbema Kingdom is behind, and it is time to catch up.
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