By Ebube J. Yeolawa
A concerned citizen, Reuben Godday Emeyoma, the MD/CEO of AnointOil Global Resources has expressed deep concern over the neglect of the oil-rich Iyede-Ame Community in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State.
He disclosed the information to newsmen via media chat during the week, noting that despite being situated in an oil-producing region, the community has continued to lack basic amenities such as electricity, reliable roads, potable water and telecommunication networks.
According to him, “Despite being situated in an oil-producing region that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy, Iyede-Ame and its surrounding areas are stark reminders of the pervasive disparities in development and infrastructure that plague many such communities across the nation.
“For a community that sits on a treasure trove of natural resources, the juxtaposition of its riches and its realities is unsettling. Iyede-Ame lacks basic amenities—electricity, reliable roads, potable water, and even telecommunication networks are nonexistent. In short, this community is a glaring case of the adage “monkey dey work, baboon dey chop,” where the labor of the local populace seems to benefit others far removed from their everyday struggles.”
Mr. Emeyoma, a seasoned counsellor described lack of electricity in Iyede-Ame – a distant dream as one of the most distressing aspects of life for its residents, saying that, “The absence of even a single electric pole serves as a stark symbol of neglect. While other communities, less endowed with natural resources, are slowly but surely gaining access to power, Iyede-Ame remains shrouded in darkness, grappling with the consequences of its electrical deprivation. This lack hampers economic growth, stifles entrepreneurship, and denies children the luxury of studying under adequate lighting.”
On poor road network, he said, “The hard path to connectivity is another crippling challenge faced by Iyede-Ame. The roads, or lack thereof, make it nearly impossible for residents to access basic services or transport their goods to market. Heavy rains turn the makeshift paths into muddy quagmires, isolating the community and leaving many stranded. If the roads were improved, local farmers and artisans could engage more effectively with larger markets and boost their incomes. But, for now, they remain trapped in a cycle of poverty exacerbated by the difficulties posed by inadequate infrastructure.”
He described lack of water as a basic right denied, stressing that “Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right, yet my community, Iyede-Ame finds itself devoid of even this basic necessity. Without pipe-borne water, residents are compelled to rely on unsustainable and unsafe sources for their daily needs. This negligence has resulted in a myriad of health issues, particularly for children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to waterborne diseases.”
Mr. Emeyoma averred that lack of investment in water infrastructure renders the community caught in a damaging cycle of insecurity and ill health.
Continuing, he noted that lack of access to telecommunication has further compelled them to remain silent in a digital age, stating that as technology continues to advance globally, Iyede-Ame is left languishing in a communication black hole. “The absence of a robust telecommunications network further alienates the community from the outside world. With no means of connecting to the internet, social media, or even basic mobile services, residents are isolated from vital information and resources that could benefit them”
“This communication gap” according to him, “not only stifles educational and employment opportunities but also prevents the community from participating in national dialogues that affect their lives.”
While calling on both the state and federal government to come to their rescue, Mr. Emeyoma described the story of Iyede-Ame as a microcosm of a larger national issue: the juxtaposition between the wealth generated from natural resources and the lack of corresponding development for local communities, saying that, “As Nigeria grapples with its economic and social challenges, it is imperative that the voices of communities like Iyede-Ame are amplified and heard.
He therefore called for partnerships among corporate stakeholders, government at all levels and other bodies as well as initiatives that can offer sustainable framework for addressing the glaring deficiencies faced by the community.
According to him, “One possible way to commence change is to encourage partnerships between local leaders, government authorities, and corporate stakeholders in the oil sector.”
In conclusion, Mr. Emeyoma emphasized that, “It is high time that the people of Iyede-Ame are given their due share of the wealth that is rightfully theirs. This community deserves basic amenities and a living standard that reflects the riches of the land they inhabit. The enduring potential of Iyede-Ame cannot be realized until its needs are met, and it is time for action to ensure that this neglected community is no longer an island of deprivation amid an island of deprivation amid an ocean of wealth.”
