The inhabitants of Ohaji Egbema community have lamented the level of deprivation and infrastructure decay prevalent within the vicinity as a result neglect by the state government and companies despite their numerous contributions to economic sustainability in Imo State.
They called on the Governor of the State, Hope Uzodinma, as a matter of urgency, to declare a state of emergency on roads, hospitals, schools, markets, electricity, water, unemployment.
Some of the residents, who spoke with LEADERSHIP, bared their minds on these sensitive issues that bordered on the overall development of the community.
They stressed that their challenges were numerous and could only be solved by government and companies operating within the locality.
According to them, it was unbelievable that only a small population of their youths were gainfully employed in both, public/civil service and oil companies.
They frowned that the few opportunities that came were hijacked by some persons who they said did not want the general good of the people but their individual benefits.
Speaking, Clement Okwu urged the Governor to repair Umuagwo/Umuapu-Port-Harcourt Road, which he described as a death-trap to road users and residents of the areas.
He also called on the governor to fix Avu/Obosima/Umunwaku/Adapalm- road which is also a nightmare to commuters and pedestrians.
He said, “It will be a thing of joy if the number one citizen of the state can fix highly dilapidated roads in Ohaji/Egbema, just the same way he built Owerri/Orlu, Owerri/Okigwe roads. What is good for the geese is also good for the ganders.”
In his contribution, Ifeanyi Ogidi noted that “We are peaceful and development-driven. We have never stopped the Government from developing our area nor the companies from meeting the Global Memorandum of Understanding they signed with us at any point in time.”
He also pointed out that the speculations concerning the youths of the area seeking for marching ground from contractors before allowing them to operate in the area were peddled by enemies of the community.
Ogidi highlighted that the people of the area have accommodating spirit based on their academic exposure which were exemplified by their civility while dealing with people.
In their contributions, Cliff Ojika and Ezeji Nkemakolam expressed regret that the government had always paid lip services over their plights and social amenities.
They maintained that the people deserved positive development, noting that their social and economic impacts were enough for the government to think about their welfare.
“Ohaji, being one of the highest regions, where oil is produced in Imo State should not be neglected in this manner,” he lamented.
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