By Paul Chimodo
A visit to local governments in Rivers state bordering other states reveal a stark reality of neglect and abandonment.
The discovery reveals a stark picture of communities in Abua Odual Local Government Area, including Emirikpoko, Ogbema, Ogboloma, Oghora, and Emago, struggling to access basic necessities. The sheer scale of the neglect and abandonment has exposed the urgent need for swift action from the state government and relevant authorities to address the plight of these communities.
A visit to these communities one will see firsthand the dire conditions. The primary healthcare centres in these areas are struggling to provide adequate medical attention due to a severe shortage of medical personnel. In fact, there was no sight of enough medical professionals manning these facilities during the visit.
Health workers who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity highlighted the devastating consequences of this lack of medical personnel. They claimed that it has led to a situation where natives are unable to seek proper medical attention, resulting in untimely deaths.
The situation is equally dire in the area of education. Many primary schools in these communities are in a state of disrepair, with some abandoned since the administration of Rotimi Amaechi. The shortage of teachers is another pressing issue, with parents expressing dissatisfaction over the inadequate number of educators in the region.
Parents in Oghora and Ogbema have spoken out about the abandonment of primary school buildings by past administrations. They also advocated for younger teachers to be appointed, citing concerns about the age of current educators.
Infrastructure is another area where these communities are struggling. In Emago Kugbo, there is no access road to the community, forcing residents to travel through neighbouring Bayelsa State. This lack of access road has had a significant impact on the quality of life for residents in the community.
A youth from Emago Kugbo, Goodluck Ofor, told our correspondent that the lack of access road has added to their isolation and inconvenience. “It’s hard for us to get basic necessities like food and medicine. We’re cut off from the rest of the world.”
It is clear that local governments in Rivers State bordering other states require urgent attention from relevant authorities. The lack of doctors in primary healthcare centres, dilapidated schools, inadequate teaching staff, and poor access roads are just some of the issues that need to be addressed.