By Austin Orogun
Nestled within Nigeria’s landscape lie communities shrouded in the shadows of progress, untouched by the very promises that democracy upholds. Otutuama, Esaba, Ophorigbala, Iwhre-ogun, and Otitiri, situated in the Ughelli South Local Government of Delta State, evoke a sense of neglect and echo the tales of enduring suffering for far too long. These communities stand as poignant reminders of the incomplete symphony of development, their plight standing in stark contrast to the nation’s soaring ambitions.
In an era where connectivity should be a birthright, these communities bear the weighty burden of isolation. Mere dirt tracks wind through the untamed landscape, bereft of maintenance that would provide a lifeline to the inhabitants. They yearn for the hum of progress that should accompany well-paved roads, and for the ease of access that should unite them with their kindred in Ughievwen Kingdom and the nation of Nigeria.
Water, the essence of life, remains a distant luxury in these lands. The dream of pipe-borne water remains unrealized. With every drop collected from distant sources and polluted streams, the inhabitants are reminded of a basic amenity that has eluded them, as if they are undeserving of the very elixir that sustains existence.
In darkness, these communities dwell. Electricity, a modern marvel that illuminates lives and powers aspirations, is a mere whisper of a concept here. Night descends, and with it, the stark reality of lives lived in the shadows, while the nation surges forward into a brighter future.
The absence of a hospital within these communities has transformed ailments into battles, and illnesses into ordeals. Basic healthcare, a fundamental right, remains elusive, forcing the inhabitants to navigate treacherous terrains in search of medical aid. The story of these communities is one of endurance, as lives hang in the balance due to the lack of a lifeline.
As we reflect upon the history of our great nation, the silence surrounding Otutuama, Esaba, Ophorigbala, Iwhre-ogun, and Otitiri grows louder. Through the years, their voices have been drowned out by the tumultuous political landscape, and their pleas for attention have fallen on indifferent ears. The essence of democracy, the promise of representation and progress, has slipped through their fingers like grains of sand.
It is with earnest appeal that we address His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Francis of Delta State. The call to end this suffering reverberates through the collective heart of these communities, who have faithfully supported the PDP since its inception, through thick and thin. Their loyalty, unshaken by the storms of time, deserves reciprocation in the form of tangible change.
The time has come for Otutuama, Esaba, Ophorigbala, Iwhre-ogun, and Otitiri to be lifted from the shackles of neglect. Their story is not one of despair, but of resilience and hope. With a stroke of commitment and a brushstroke of compassion, these forgotten realms can be woven back into the vibrant tapestry of our nation’s progress.
Let it be known that the echo of their suffering resonates not only through their lands but also through the conscience of a nation striving to be just and inclusive. May the legacy of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Francis be one of transformation, of bringing light to the darkness that has engulfed these communities for too long. Sir, as your first tenure takes shape and foothold, may the legacy you leave behind be etched in the annals of history as a beacon of change, reminding all Deltans and beyond that no community should ever be left behind again.
We extend our gratitude as we, the inhabitants of the aforementioned communities, expectantly and eagerly await your swift actions to rescue us from the shackles of forgetfulness.
