By Owerri Regional Editor
A prominent Igbo leader and Coordinator of Global Igbo Leaders (GIL), Nze Amadiebube Mbama, has raised alarm over the prolonged neglect of Ibiasoegbe and Ofeahia communities in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, urging urgent government intervention.
In a statement issued to the press, Mbama lamented that successive administrations have failed to extend development projects to the two border communities, despite their statutory entitlement to benefit from both the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC).
According to him, while other communities in the same local council have received multiple projects, Ibiasoegbe and Ofeahia have been completely sidelined. “All the existing social amenities in these communities — including five primary schools, a primary health center, post office, customary court, electricity project, and a secondary school — were established through communal efforts without government support,” he stressed.
Mbama pointed out that the only government-funded infrastructure in the area is the road constructed during the administration of former Governor Rochas Okorocha. He described the situation as “a grave injustice” and appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma, NDDC, and ISOPADEC to urgently intervene.
He warned that the communities are struggling to maintain self-help projects amid the current harsh economic climate, noting that most of the classroom blocks are in dangerous disrepair, especially during the rainy season. “The schools pose a great risk to pupils, while the customary court building, long overdue for renovation, is unsafe for use,” he said.
The Igbo leader disclosed that hopes were once raised when the customary court was listed for rehabilitation by the State government, but no action has been taken. He insisted that the state must prioritize the renovation of classroom blocks, upgrading of the health center, and grading of feeder roads to restore dignity to the people.
Describing Ibiasoegbe and Ofeahia as border communities that deserve greater attention, Mbama called on the residents to remain peaceful and supportive of the government while continuing to demand their rights to development.
