The Imo State Government has been told to reconstruct deplorable roads in Ohaji communities to reduce road accident, ease traffic, encourage productivity, strengthen economic development, peace, social comfort and security.
This urge was made by the President of the National Congress of Ohaji Youths (NACOY), Thomas Ekeh, when he answered questions from newsmen, during the 2022 Iri Ji Ohaji, held at Umuakenne, the District Headquarters of Ohaji, .
Ekeh, who pleaded with government to understand the plight the people of Ohaji go through as a result of the bad state of their roads, pointed out that Ohaji communities where oil is produced, Palm Plantation (Adapalm) and Rubber Plantation (Imo Rubber Estate) being housed ought to be a haven of development, economic prosperity and social comfort.
He wondered why the area has remained economically rejected and socially stagnant with no functional infrastructure in place, stating that youths should be given employment in government establishments within and outside the enclave, calling also on the oil companies at the area to always meet the sealed Memorandum of Understanding they reached with host communities while engaging youths productively as well as keeping to their social responsibility obligations.
Ekeh, a vibrant youth leader, did not mince his words as he urged the youth to look beyond oil, but delve into active agriculture to make good living, saying farming is very lucrative.
According to Ekeh, "youths of Ohaji have to remain keenly responsible and loyal to our leaders. They have to be calm and work hand in glove with their leaders to move forward. Hence, I call on government of Imo State to come close and help Ohaji by way of road rehabilitation. No meaningful development therein, no employment, no empowerment, no social amenities, no nothing.
"There is high cost of living at Ohaji. Our people need to wake up and embrace agriculture. NACOY under my watch shall regularly galvanize the youth for way forward", urging that the Iri Ji Ohaji should be sustained because it is a rich culture that reminds the people of benefits of rich farming and festivity.
Observing that the yam celebration offers a good opportunity for the people to unite more, Youth President of Obosima autonomous community, Comr. Nwanedi Chibuike Dalymor, appealed to government to distribute dividends of democracy to Ohaji, reflecting that Obosima youths are waxing well under his leadership giving to his mettle.
Adding that the yam cultural festival signifies need for active yam cultivation as few now farm actively in the area, a responsible indigene of Umuokanne, Comr. Samuel Ekey, advised youths to shun quick money syndrome and illicit activities and embrace agriculture to progress evenly.
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