By GbaramatuVoice Editorial Board
The determined protest by the women of Okerenkoko federated communities in Gbaramatu kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta state, has brought to light a grave injustice that must be addressed with urgency. Beginning on Monday, July 22, these resilient women took a stand against the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company/Neconde Energy Limited Joint Venture (NPDC/Neconde JV), shutting down operations at the Flow Stations in Jones Creek and Egwa 1 due to years of neglect and darkness.
These actions highlight a stark and unacceptable reality. Okerenkoko, alongside Egwa, Batan, Jones Creek, and Odidi, has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s oil industry. The communities host OML 42, a critical asset for NPDC/Neconde JV, yet they are deprived of a basic necessity—electricity. This situation underscores a long-standing issue where the wealth generated from these oil-rich areas does not translate into adequate services and infrastructure for the local populations.
The protest, led by figures like Mrs. Esther Ene, is a powerful statement of the community’s frustration. The women’s message is clear: despite numerous pleas and letters, their calls for electricity have been met with empty promises. Their struggle is not just about personal comfort but about the well-being of their entire community, including the students of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), who are suffering due to the lack of power.
The placards held by the protesters, with messages such as “Neconde/NPDC JV, no light, no operations” and “Okerenkoko is tired of darkness, give us light,” are a stark reminder of the community’s plight. The lack of power is not just a minor inconvenience but a significant barrier to education and quality of life. The breakdown of the community’s two 11kva generators has only exacerbated the situation, leaving them in darkness since December.
The women’s resolute stand is a call for justice. They demand that NPDC/Neconde JV connect their community to the gas turbine that powers the oil operations. This demand is not merely a request but a fundamental right for those who host the operations that fuel the nation’s economy.
The broader issue here is the systemic neglect of oil-producing communities. While NPDC/Neconde JV enjoys uninterrupted power for its operations, the host communities are left to suffer. This disparity is a glaring example of the injustices faced by Nigeria’s oil-rich regions.
It is imperative that NPDC/Neconde JV and the Nigerian government respond swiftly and effectively. The electrification of Okerenkoko and its neighboring communities must be prioritized. This is not just about corporate social responsibility; it is about ensuring that the benefits of Nigeria’s oil wealth are shared equitably with those who bear the brunt of its extraction.
As the women of Okerenkoko stand firm in their protest, they are not only fighting for their right to light but also for a more just and equitable system. Their courage and determination should serve as a catalyst for change, prompting immediate action from both the oil company and the government. Anything less would be a failure to address the deep-rooted issues of inequality and neglect that have plagued these communities for too long.
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