Edo NYO Backs Egbema Youths’ Peaceful Protest on Abandoned Udo–Ofunama Road Project

By Prince O.D. Agbedeyi PhD
CEO, Global Egberi Media International

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The Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Youth Organization (NYO) has openly declared its solidarity with the Egbema Kingdom Youth Council (EYC) Worldwide, in the ongoing campaign for the completion of the long-abandoned Udo–Ofunama road project in Edo State.

The project, which was originally awarded in 2012 by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was meant to serve as a lifeline linking Udo and Egbema communities in Ovia South-West Local Government Area. More than a decade later, the road remains in deplorable condition, forcing residents to grapple with isolation, poor transportation, and economic hardship.

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✊ Call for Justice and Development

The State Publicity Secretary of NYO, Hon. Edah Tam Nike, issued a strongly worded statement backing the recent EYC’s peaceful protest.

According to him, the neglect of the Udo–Ofunama road project is not only an affront to the Egbema people but also a symbol of developmental injustice meted out to riverine and minority communities in Edo State.

“The road was awarded in 2012. Thirteen years have passed, and the people of Egbema are still suffering. Enough is enough. NYO Edo State will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Egbema Youth Council to demand that the NDDC and relevant authorities do the needful. Development should not be selective.” — Hon. Edah Tam Nike

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🌍 The Importance of the Road

The Udo–Ofunama road is a strategic corridor, designed to:

• Ease transportation for riverine dwellers.

• Open up Ofunama and adjoining communities for trade and agriculture.

• Enhance security presence and reduce the risk of isolation-induced crimes.

• Boost socio-economic activities within Ovia South-West and Edo State in general.

The abandonment of the project has left commuters stranded, raised transportation costs, and worsened rural poverty in the region.

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🤝 Youth Unity Across Borders

The support from Edo NYO is seen as a major morale boost for the EYC Worldwide, which has consistently raised the alarm over government neglect of projects in the Niger Delta.

This cross-youth alliance underscores the urgency of addressing infrastructure challenges that cut across tribal, ethnic, and regional lines.

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⚠️ A Peaceful Stand

Both groups emphasized that the protest which remained peaceful, orderly, and focused on drawing attention to the plight of the people. The demand is clear: the NDDC must revisit the Udo–Ofunama road project and ensure its speedy completion.

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✅ Conclusion

As the agitation gains momentum, all eyes are now on the NDDC, Edo State Government, and federal authorities. Will they finally honor a project that has remained in limbo since 2012, or will the cries of Egbema people continue to echo unheard?

One thing is certain—the unity of Edo NYO and EYC Worldwide has reignited the struggle for justice and equitable development in Edo’s riverine belt.

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✍️ Prince O.D. Agbedeyi PhD
CEO, Global Egberi Media International

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🌐 Global Egberi Media International

📧 Email: globalegberimedia@gmail.com
📞 Nigeria: +234 813 490 2214
🌍 Website: https://globalegberi.blogspot.com

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🔖 Tags:

Edo State, NYO, EYC Worldwide, NDDC, Udo–Ofunama Road, Youth Protest, Niger Delta Development, Global Egberi Media International