Contributed by Chief Dick Collins
OBOLO Mobolo
Published by Oboloheritage@gmail.com
AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN EASTERN OBOLO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: A CALL FOR ACTION
Infrastructure development plays a crucial role in the growth and progress of any society. It is the backbone of economic development, social well-being, and overall quality of life for the residents. However, in the case of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, the lack of government presence in terms of social amenities and infrastructure development has become a pressing concern for the residents and other sympathizers.
Eastern Obolo, located in the southern part of Akwa Ibom State, is home to a population of over 200,000 people. Despite its significant population, the area has been neglected by the state government in terms of basic amenities such as good roads, healthcare facilities, schools, and potable water supply. This lack of infrastructure has had a detrimental impact on the lives of the residents, hindering their access to essential services and impeding their socio-economic development.
One of the major challenges faced by the people of Eastern Obolo is the poor state of road network. The existing roads are in deplorable conditions, making transportation difficult and time-consuming. The situation has worsened with presence of an Oil Exploration Company and its subsidiaries operating in the area. This has not only affected the movement of people but also hindered the transportation of goods and services, thereby hampering economic activities in the area. The absence of good roads has also made it challenging for healthcare workers to reach remote communities, resulting in inadequate healthcare services and a higher risk of preventable diseases and death.
Another critical area that requires urgent attention is the healthcare sector. Eastern Obolo lacks well-equipped healthcare facilities, forcing residents to travel long distances to access quality medical care. This has led to increased mortality rates, especially among pregnant women and children, who are most vulnerable to health complications. The absence of proper healthcare infrastructure also limits the capacity to respond effectively to emergencies and outbreaks, leaving the local government area at a higher risk of health crises.
Education is another sector that has suffered due to the lack of government presence in Eastern Obolo. The inadequate number of primary and secondary schools including educational facilities has deprived children of their right to quality education. Most importantly, there's no single tertiary institution in the region making it so cumbersome for our children to access education at this level in fa and unbearable distances, which not only poses a risk to their safety but also hampers their ability to learn effectively. This lack of educational infrastructure has perpetuated a cycle of illiteracy and limited opportunities for the youth, hindering their potential for personal and societal growth.
Access to clean and potable water is a basic necessity for any community, yet it remains a luxury for the people of Eastern Obolo. The absence of a reliable water supply system has forced residents to rely on contaminated water sources, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases and posing a significant health risk. The lack of access to clean water also affects hygiene practices, further exacerbating the health challenges faced by the community; a situation that has been further complicated by the activities of Sterling Global Oil Services Ltd in the area.
In light of these pressing issues, it is imperative for the Akwa Ibom State Government to prioritize infrastructure development in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area. The government must take immediate action to address the critical needs of the region and provide the necessary social amenities. This includes the construction and rehabilitation of roads, the establishment of well-equipped healthcare facilities, the provision of functional schools, and the implementation of sustainable water supply systems.
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