Members of Ugborodo Community Protest Neglect
September 29, 2011
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The people of Ugborodo community in Warri south-west local government area have called on the Federal Government to intervene as their community is gradually being obliterated by waves from the sea.

Members of the community blocked the entrance of the multinational company, Chevron, and said they were protesting the neglect of their community by the FG and the company.

Residents of this neglected community say they have continued to tow the line of peace by dialoguing with authorities, but are yet to see results.

They said their community is lacking health centres, good schools and claimed their only source of employment is being threatened as some persons in Abuja are dictating who benefits from the community's wealth.

It takes 90 minutes by speed boat to get to the little island community of Ugborodo from Warri. Most of the shores of this community have been washed by the waves, which this the community attributes to the increase in sea vessels in the area owing to activities of oil industry, Chevron.

Massive floods ravaged the community, following heavy rains in August. Mr. Ayiri Emami, CEO of 911 Beach and Resort, said it is most disappointing that that an area that host Chevron Tank Farm and other major oil installations and facilities can be deliberately left to the dangerous caprices of the surging ocean water while the oil majors in the areas take proactive measure in protecting their area of operation

Community members fear that soon their properties will get carried away by the waves as well. The basic infrastructure which protesters now barricaded is their major source of income.

Many community members cater to the needs of Chevron through a community contractor. They now claim that unnamed persons in Abuja are threatening even that aspect of their lives.

It is unclear who these unnamed persons are or how they are threatening the community's income. They said they are determined to continue disrupting work at Chevron Escravos at Ugborodo until they get a favourable answer.

The public Relations Officer of the community Ayere Emami, who said they decided not to tow the line of violence, urged the government to stop ignoring them.

While the stand off continues at Ugborodo, it is hoped that federal authorities will move in and resolve the issues.





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