Anambra oil-bearing communities protest neglect, deplorable amenities, seek govt intervention
Residents of the Ogwuaniocha and Ogwuikpele communities in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State have expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of basic amenities despite the presence of substantial oil resources in their region.
During a recent protest, community members voiced their grievances against the Anambra State Government and called on Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) to honor its commitments to the area.
Protesters highlighted deficiencies in essential services provided by SEEPCO, including promised scholarships for local residents and the establishment of schools, hospitals, and well-maintained roads.
Odua Ukwu Ogwuikpele, the traditional ruler of Ogwuikpele Community, criticized the current living conditions in his community and urged both the federal and state governments to urgently address the infrastructure and environmental issues being faced by local residents.
“When SEEPCO came into our community, we anticipated positive change,” Okaka said. “However, our circumstances have worsened considerably. The oil drilling has led to fatalities among our people, and we have not seen any benefits from the 13 percent derivation allocation meant for us. We are living in dire conditions.”
Hon. Esumai Patrick Chukwudi, the President-General of Ogwuikpele, echoed these sentiments, asserting that SEEPCO has failed to contribute to the community’s development despite years of oil extraction.
Meanwhile, residents of Ogwuaniocha, which borders Ogwuikpele, reported similar challenges. Hon. Vitalis Ekwuanua, the President-General of Ogwuaniocha, stated that the community is suffering from a lack of modern infrastructure due to the adverse effects of oil exploration on agriculture and aquatic life.
“We have oil in our communities, yet we continue to suffer from the repercussions of its exploration,” Ekwuanua said. “Our agricultural productivity and the local environment have both been severely impacted.”
The communities have called for the reconstitution of the Anambra State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ANSOPADEC), emphasizing the need for meaningful representation and leadership positions for local residents within the commission.
Engr. Anthony Egwuatu, Chairman of the Ogbaru Oil and Gas Technical Committee (OOGTC), confirmed that the communities are seeking SEEPCO to fulfill its obligations while requesting the government to provide essential public services and support.
