Women from the oil-producing Ilaje region of Ondo State, under the umbrella of the Niger Delta Network for Ondo Indigenous Women, have called on President Bola Tinubu to address what they describe as long-standing neglect and injustice towards their community.
In a statement signed by the group’s President, Chief (Mrs.) Otunba Funmileyi Omogbemi, and Secretary, Adetoke Owoyemi, the women lamented that despite Ilaje’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s oil wealth, the area has seen little to no developmental projects compared to other Niger Delta communities.
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“While other Niger Delta regions have benefited from continuous development and empowerment programs, Ilaje-Ese Odo remains at the bottom of the priority list. This neglect has hindered economic progress, even as we struggle with severe environmental degradation,” the statement read.
The group also criticized the administration of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), led by Dr. Dennis Otuaro, for sidelining Ilaje communities. They alleged that despite engaging with various Niger Delta stakeholders, Dr. Otuaro has failed to visit Ilaje, depriving the people of a platform to voice their grievances.
“Ilaje contributes approximately 60,000 barrels of crude oil daily and has an estimated reserve of 4 billion barrels. Yet, rather than receiving priority attention, we continue to face exclusion and marginalization,” the group stated.
Recalling a 2017 disarmament initiative under the Amnesty Programme, the women noted that while Ilaje youths surrendered their arms, they have since been neglected and denied the benefits enjoyed by their counterparts in other regions.
“We watch as youths in other areas benefit from the Amnesty Programme, while ours are left in hardship and frustration,” they said.
The women urged President Tinubu to:
– Ensure the Presidential Amnesty Programme is implemented fairly.
– Guarantee an equitable distribution of resources across all Niger Delta regions.
– Hold Dr. Otuaro accountable for excluding Ilaje communities.
– Put an end to favoritism in resource allocation.
Warning of growing discontent among Ilaje youths, they emphasized the urgency of their demands.
“The level of marginalization faced by Ondo State in the Niger Delta is unacceptable. Our frustration is mounting, and we demand change!” they stated.
The group called for a swift response from the President, stressing that immediate action is necessary to address their concerns and prevent further unrest.
