Asaba, Marc 14, 2025: In May 2024, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori pledged to reconstruct the school and health centre in Okuama, a community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, devastated following a tragic incident where 17 military personnel were killed around its River Bank.
This commitment was part of a broader initiative to rehabilitate the area and support displaced residents.
By August 2024, the state government reported awarding contracts for the construction of a health centre and six classroom blocks for primary and secondary schools in Okuama.
These contracts were notably assigned to Okuama indigenes, aiming to expedite the community’s restoration.
However, as of January 2025, these reconstruction projects remain incomplete, prolonging the hardships faced by the displaced residents.
The initial promise of a three-month completion timeline has not been met, leading to increased frustration and suffering within the community.
The delay in fulfilling these promises not only exacerbates the community’s plight but also raises serious human rights concerns.
The residents’ rights to adequate housing, education, and security continue to be compromised, highlighting the urgent need for transparent communication and decisive action from the authorities.
The Okuama community’s ongoing ordeal underscores the broader challenges faced by internally displaced persons in Nigeria.
The government’s failure to fulfill its reconstruction promises not only prolongs the suffering of these individuals but also raises serious human rights concerns.
The right to adequate housing, education, and security has been severely compromised, necessitating immediate and transparent action from the authorities.
As of March 2025, the residents of Okuama continue to await the fulfillment of the government’s promises to restore their homes, infrastructure, and dignity.
According to an impeccable source, “Regarding our schools and health center, I have received information that the contractors are requesting a contract review.
“They claim they initially underestimated the project costs and are now asking for additional funds. Once the governor reviews and approves their request, they will resume work on-site.
“As for the town hall project, it is being handled directly by the local government, which is why it is progressing smoothly.
“Meanwhile, the contractor for the secondary school is one of our fellow Ewhu men, a well-connected individual with ties to the presidency.
“Because of this, he is personally funding the project, confident that the governor will eventually review and reimburse him.
“Since he has other pending projects, he is using his own resources to speed up the work and meet his commitments.”
