Anambra Communities  Plea For Intervention Amidst Oil Wealth-Fueled Hardships 

A joint delegation representing the Ogwuikpele and Ogwuaniocha communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, recently visited Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, Chairman and CEO of the Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company and Anambra Petroleum and Energy Resources.

The purpose of their visit was to address the ongoing crisis and unrelenting hardships plaguing their communities.

Mr. Olisa Onwuma, a representative of the delegation and an employee of SEEPCO, an oil-producing company operating in Ogbaru, voiced his community’s frustrations.

He highlighted that despite past promises, SEEPCO has failed to fulfill its commitments.

Payments are often delayed, and the communities have yet to see any tangible benefits from the oil wells that have existed for years.

Onwuma also pointed out the dire state of infrastructure, noting the absence of functional schools and hospitals.

Tragically, he mentioned incidents where children have drowned while attempting to travel to school by boat.

He expressed concern that not a single resident from the communities is employed by SEEPCO as a full-time staff member.

Additionally, he lamented that government palliatives intended for flood-affected communities have not reached them for the past two years.

Onwuma appealed to the state Governor to consider their plight, emphasizing the struggles faced by the communities and their roles as Community Liaison Officers (CLOs).

In response, Prof. Ofoegbu acknowledged the ongoing issues, including rampant crude oil bunkering, inadequate infrastructure, and the lack of essential social amenities.

He noted that, despite his efforts, these communities continue to face significant challenges.

“Ogbaru is now recognized on the world map due to the oil resources in your areas,” Prof. Ofoegbu stated.

“Through my interventions, Anambra State has officially become an oil-producing state. The pressing question remains: how do we alleviate the suffering of your people? We have proposed the establishment of a committee to monitor the activities related to oil transportation, including the frequency and size of barges crossing the river. It is crucial that the community remains vigilant regarding any misappropriation of oil proceeds, and you must advocate for your rightful earnings.”

Prof. Ofoegbu also announced plans for development projects, including the creation of fish processing plants in Ogbaru, Ogwuikpele, and Ogwuaniocha. These facilities aim to support local fish farming cooperatives, enabling residents to harvest, process, package, and export their products.

He encouraged community members to compile their needs in writing so that he could formally present their concerns to the State Government, reinforcing his commitment to representing their interests.