We are feeling betrayed, ILG writes Okowa

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The Itsekiri Liberation Group, ILG, has written to Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, over perceived marginalization of Itsekiri Nation, in the establishment of universities in the state, saying Itsekiri people are: “Feeling betrayed with the way things are going in the state, because we are not considered for any vital political appointment, non-funding of major infrastructural projects in our areas - with very few new projects or non-sited in Itsekiri enclaves”.

In the letter titled: "Marginalization of The Itsekiri Nation in Establishment Of University; Sitting of Campus 2 of University Of Science And Technology in Itsekiri Community and the Non-Funding of Projects in Itsekiri Lands across the Three Warri Local Government Areas and other parts of Delta State", ILG, stated: “You are in full knowledge of the critical role the Itsekiri people (Nation) played in ensuring you became the governor of the Delta State, to extent that, our people had to abandon our own son, because of the believe and trust that when you are given the mandate through our support (votes) you will reciprocate by bringing developmental projects to our land. Nevertheless, our people today are feeling betrayed with the way things are going in the state, where the Itsekiri people are not considered for any vital political appointment, non- funding of major  infrastructural projects in our areas - with very few new projects or non-sited in Itsekiri enclaves”.

The petition signed by the President and Secretary of ILG, Comrade Mone Oris and Ajofortan Omagbemi, respectively, called for the: Siting of Campus 2 of University of Technology, Ozoro at Ode Itsekiri (Big Warri) or Iwere College, Koko, where more available infrastructures are located”, saying: “This is sequel to the assurance by the House Committee on Education to Itsekiri Nation via our group, during the public hearing that Campus 2 of the above mentioned institution, would be sited in Itsekiri land. We have been waiting to see the final approval from Your Office. While waiting for approval of our Campus 2, we have seen approval given to another Campus 2 in other area of the state, this is giving us great concern. We therefore call on your Excellency, to effect the approval of the Campus 2 in Itsekiri area”.

They stated: “We have over twenty six (26) higher institutions in Delta State. Apart from College of Education, Warri, which is not befitting to the status of Warri, there is no other higher institution located in our area”.

While declaring that they feel embarrassed by the level of underdevelopment in Itsekiri area, ILG listed projects that need urgent funding by the Okowa led administration to include: “Trans Warri -Ode Itsekiri Bridges and Access Roads, Completion of Koko-Ugbenu Road, Trans-Warri Industrial Park, Completion of Abigborodo Polytechnic, Koko Township Stadium, Dualization of Omadino to Ugwotun, through the Warri-Sapele Road and appointment of Itsekiri sons and daughters in strategic positions in the state government.

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