Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi Urges Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to Present Supplementary Budget for Egbema Communities Over Marginalization in Delta’s ₦400bn Infrastructure Plan
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
A respected Niger Delta advocate, Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi, has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently consider presenting a supplementary budget to address what he described as the clear marginalization of Egbema communities in the recently approved multi-billion-naira infrastructure development plan of the state.
The call comes amid rising concerns from stakeholders in Egbema Kingdom, particularly among the Ijaw population residing in the Delta State axis of the kingdom, who believe that the current infrastructure allocation fails to adequately reflect their contributions to the economic strength of the state.
Massive Infrastructure Budget Raises Equity Questions
The Delta State Government recently approved over ₦400 billion for the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrading of roads and other infrastructure across the state as part of its development agenda. (DELTA STATE THE BIG HEART)
The ambitious project package forms part of the broader fiscal framework of the state’s 2026 budget, which runs into over ₦1.7 trillion, with a large portion dedicated to capital development and infrastructure expansion. (Facebook)
While the massive spending plan has been widely acknowledged as a bold step toward modernizing Delta State’s infrastructure, critics argue that the distribution of projects appears uneven, leaving several communities questioning the fairness of the allocations.
Egbema Kingdom’s Contributions Cannot Be Ignored
Dr. Agbedeyi noted that Egbema Kingdom remains one of the key oil-producing areas within the Niger Delta, contributing immensely to both the state and national economy through oil exploration activities.
According to him, the kingdom has historically provided a peaceful environment for oil production, despite bearing the environmental consequences associated with petroleum exploration.
He emphasized that communities that sustain the economic lifeblood of the state should not be sidelined when development resources are being allocated.
“It is unjust and deeply troubling that a kingdom that contributes significantly to the economic stability of Delta State would appear largely absent in a development plan of such magnitude,” Dr. Agbedeyi stated.
Growing Concern Over Marginalization of Ijaw Communities
The media scholar and development advocate expressed particular concern about the perceived marginalization of Ijaw communities within Egbema Kingdom in Delta State, warning that continued neglect could erode trust between the people and government institutions.
According to him, the communities of Ogbinbiri, Opuama, Ogbudugbudu, Polobubou, and other Egbema settlements continue to face severe developmental challenges, including:
- Poor road networks
- Lack of modern healthcare facilities
- Inadequate educational infrastructure
- Limited access to potable water and electricity
- Weak economic infrastructure
He stressed that these conditions contradict the ideals of inclusive governance and balanced development.
Call for Supplementary Budget and Corrective Measures
Dr. Agbedeyi therefore urged Governor Oborevwori to introduce a supplementary budget specifically targeting neglected oil-producing communities such as those in Egbema Kingdom.
According to him, such an intervention could include:
- Construction of strategic roads linking Egbema communities
- Expansion of healthcare facilities
- Rehabilitation of schools and educational infrastructure
- Water and electricity projects
- Economic empowerment initiatives for youths
He argued that corrective fiscal action would demonstrate the government’s commitment to fairness and inclusive development.
Development Must Reflect Justice
Dr. Agbedeyi further emphasized that development planning must not only focus on large budget figures but must also ensure equitable distribution across the state’s diverse communities.
“True development is measured not merely by the size of a budget but by how fairly its benefits reach the people,” he noted.
He urged the Delta State Government to engage directly with traditional rulers, youth leaders, and community stakeholders in Egbema Kingdom to identify priority projects that can be implemented without delay.
A Call for Inclusive Governance
While reaffirming his confidence in the administration of Governor Oborevwori, Dr. Agbedeyi stressed that addressing the concerns of marginalized communities would strengthen unity and stability in the Niger Delta region.
He concluded by appealing to policymakers to remember that oil-producing communities deserve visible dividends of development, especially in a state that continues to benefit immensely from the natural resources found in their land.
“Justice in development is not a privilege — it is a right of every community contributing to the progress of Delta State,” he said.
Source: Independent / Government & Business Journal
Also published on: www.globalegberi.com.ng/wp
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