𝗔𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗯𝗼-𝗜𝗯𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

By NigerDelta Voice,

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮.

Communities across the Arogbo-Ibe Kingdom in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State have renewed calls for increased Federal Government presence, urging authorities to prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, telecommunications, education, security and economic development in one of Nigeria's most strategic riverine regions.

The appeal comes amid growing concerns that despite the kingdom's contribution to Nigeria's oil and maritime economy, many communities continue to grapple with inadequate infrastructure, poor access to government services and limited federal investments.

Residents who spoke with NigerDelta Voice said several communities remain accessible only by water, while poor road networks, inadequate healthcare facilities, unstable electricity supply and weak telecommunications continue to affect daily life and economic activities.

Traditional rulers, youth leaders and community stakeholders stressed that greater federal attention would not only improve living conditions but also unlock the enormous economic potential of the coastal communities.

One of the recurring concerns raised by residents is the need for improved telecommunications. Several settlements in the riverine axis still experience poor network coverage, making communication difficult during emergencies and limiting access to digital services, education and business opportunities.

Although the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) has expanded telecommunications infrastructure to additional underserved communities in Ondo State through the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations, residents are appealing for more coverage in remote riverine settlements, including parts of the Arogbo-Ibe Kingdom.

Community leaders also called for accelerated construction and rehabilitation of roads linking riverine communities, improved jetties, modern healthcare facilities, quality public schools and expanded youth empowerment programmes.

They appealed to the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and other intervention agencies to increase investments in the area.

The stakeholders further advocated the establishment of additional federal institutions and security formations, noting that a stronger government presence would stimulate commerce, create jobs and improve access to public services.

The renewed appeal comes as political leaders from the constituency continue to assure residents of their commitment to attracting more federal projects. During a recent visit to Arogbo Kingdom, the member representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, Donald Kimikanbo Ojogo, pledged to pursue more developmental projects and ensure that the constituency benefits from the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Residents, however, maintained that beyond political commitments, tangible development is urgently needed in the riverine communities. They urged the Federal Government to prioritise coastal road infrastructure, shoreline protection, potable water projects, digital connectivity, healthcare, education and sustainable livelihood programmes.

According to community stakeholders, strategic investments in Arogbo-Ibe would strengthen economic activities, improve security along the waterways, enhance access to government services and raise the standard of living for thousands of residents living in the coastal communities.

They expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration between the Federal Government, Ondo State Government, NDDC, OSOPADEC and development partners, Arogbo-Ibe Kingdom can fully realise its economic and human development potential while contributing more significantly to the growth of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.