•Governor Oborevwori and protesters
The Convener of Concerned Youths for Good Governance, Comrade Henry Mojume Umunna, has led youths from Oshimili North and Aniocha Local Government Areas in a protest over the poor state of key roads in their communities.
Speaking during the protest in Asaba, Delta State, Umunna stated that the protesters conducted a peaceful march to raise awareness about the impact of deteriorating roads on the livelihoods in their locality, reports Nigerian Tribune.
Umunna, who carried symbolic items such as rotting produce and damaged farming tools to demonstrate the hardships faced by farmers and residents due to poor infrastructure, called on the government to come to the aid of the communities.
Carrying a detailed report titled The Cost of Abandonment, prepared in collaboration with economists from Delta State University, the protesters explained that the report outlined the economic challenges arising from the lack of maintenance on important routes including Ukala Okpunor, Ukala Okwute, Ebu, and Ezi Roads in Oshimili North.
According to the protesters, the report also noted that poor road conditions hinder farmers’ ability to transport crops, resulting in significant financial losses and the spoiling of produce destined for markets in Asaba and beyond.
“The document also noted declines in local government revenue and the adverse effects on healthcare access, particularly in Ebu, where higher maternal mortality rates have been observed due to difficulties in accessing clinics.”
Speaking further, Umunna emphasised the broader economic impact, stating that these road challenges affect a large portion of goods supplied to regional markets and threaten important business activities that contribute considerable tax revenue to the state.
During the demonstration, Umunna expressed frustration over repeated attempts to engage government officials, including petitions and visits by community leaders, which have not yielded results.
He described the situation as a critical development issue that calls for swift governmental attention and action.
Members of the community also recalled their strong political support for Governor Oborevwori in the 2023 elections and voiced hopes that their concerns would not be overlooked moving forward.
At the close of the protest, the youths symbolically displayed their unopened petitions and called for accountability, signalling their determination to see improvements in their communities’ infrastructure before the next electoral cycle.
The protesters said the situation presents Governor Oborevwori with an important opportunity to engage actively with these communities and address their infrastructure needs.
