Global Peace Development Decries Rural Neglect in Delta State, Urges Citizens to Demand Accountability
A civil society organization, Global Peace Development (GPD), in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, has expressed deep concern over the dire conditions in public institutions across several communities in Delta State. This concern was voiced despite the state's abundant resources, highlighting a significant gap in service delivery.
Stakeholders Meeting in Asaba Raises Alarm
The Executive Director of GPD Nigeria, Mr. Ebruke Esike, raised these issues during a stakeholders' roundtable and inception meeting of the Local Rights Programme (LRP) held in Asaba, the Delta State capital. The meeting aimed to address critical development challenges in rural areas.
Esike pointed to specific communities affected, including Oter-Iyede, Erawha, Uro-Irri, Idheze, and Ukpude, located in Isoko North and South Local Government Areas. He emphasized that these areas suffer from severe neglect in basic infrastructure.
Examples of Deficiencies in Education and Healthcare
In Ukpude Primary School, Esike reported that the institution operates with only a headmistress, one teacher, and a non-academic staff member, severely limiting educational quality. Similarly, the Idheze Primary Health Centre is staffed by just one nurse with no security personnel, compromising healthcare delivery.
At Erawha community, although there are five well-constructed classrooms, only four desks are available for pupils, creating an unconducive learning environment. Uro-Irri Primary School faces comparable challenges, with inadequate facilities hindering student development.
"These deficiencies undermine the quality of education and healthcare delivery, creating an unconducive environment for children and residents," Esike added, stressing that such gaps are the primary responsibility of the government to address.
Call for Citizen Action and Accountability
Esike insisted that citizens must be bold enough to challenge those in government to fulfill their duties. He noted that the Local Rights Programme is designed to promote and enhance the participation of women and girls in decision-making processes at both community and state levels.
Poor infrastructure and weak government presence have continued to hinder growth and basic service delivery in many communities, he explained. Therefore, he urged citizens to take a more active role in governance by holding elected officials accountable.
"Citizens must begin to demand services from government because it is our commonwealth. Government is not doing anyone a favour by providing infrastructure; it is their responsibility," Esike emphasized, advocating for a "demand and supply" dynamic in governance.
ActionAid Nigeria's Collaborative Initiative
Also speaking at the event, the Advisor on Partnership and the Local Rights Programme at ActionAid Nigeria, Hajar Opakwa Adamu, described the initiative as a collaborative effort aimed at amplifying the voices of marginalized rural populations.
She explained that the programme seeks to create an enabling environment where communities can articulate their challenges and engage relevant stakeholders to bridge development gaps. According to her, achieving social justice, equity, and poverty eradication requires strong partnerships between communities, civil society, and government institutions.
Community Leaders Echo Concerns
Leaders from the participating communities echoed concerns about the disconnect between government and grassroots populations. They called for improved engagement, urging authorities to establish direct communication channels with community leaders to ensure that development efforts are effectively targeted and responsive to local needs.
This roundtable underscores the urgent need for accountability and improved service delivery in Delta State's rural areas, with civil society organizations playing a key role in advocating for change.
