EBU Indigenes lament neglect as Delta approves N1.237 Trillion 2027 Budget

The people of Ebu community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have expressed deep disappointment and frustration following the recent approval of the proposed N1.237 trillion 2027 budget by the Delta State Executive Council, describing the apparent failure to address the deplorable condition of Ebu roads as another painful chapter in the community's decades of neglect.

For the indigenes, the development is particularly disturbing, considering the numerous appeals made to successive administrations by community leaders, stakeholders and concerned citizens for urgent intervention in the deteriorating road infrastructure connecting the community to other parts of the state.

At the centre of the renewed agitation is the Ebu-Ukala-Ezi road, which serves as the major access route and principal gateway to Ebu. The road, reconstructed during the administration of former Governor Chief James Ibori, has since suffered considerable deterioration, leaving residents, motorists, farmers and traders to contend with serious transportation difficulties.

The African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Engr. Isaac Eshor, has frowned at what he considers the continued neglect of Ebu in the state's infrastructure development priorities, particularly the apparent omission of the Ebu-Ukala-Ezi road from the projects being considered under the proposed 2027 budget.

Eshor's position reflects the frustration of a community that believes it has been abandoned by successive governments at both the federal and state levels, despite its agricultural contributions and longstanding demands for basic infrastructure.

Ebu was once recognised as an important agricultural town, contributing to food production and commercial activities within Oshimili North and beyond. However, the poor condition of its access road has continued to undermine its economic potential, discourage investment and make life increasingly difficult for residents.

The situation raises serious questions about the commitment of successive administrations to rural development and equitable distribution of infrastructure across Delta State.

More troubling is the growing perception among some Ebu indigenes that the community may be suffering political disadvantage because one of its illustrious sons, Engr. Isaac Eshor, is contesting the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the AAC against the incumbent Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

Although no evidence has been established to suggest that the community's infrastructural challenges are politically motivated, the circumstances have heightened suspicion and disappointment among residents who insist that development should never be determined by political affiliation.

The people of Ebu are entitled to government attention, regardless of the political choices or ambitions of their sons and daughters.

 The provision of roads, electricity, healthcare and other essential amenities is a fundamental responsibility of government, not a political reward.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration must therefore demonstrate that its MORE Agenda embraces every community in Delta State, including Ebu, which has repeatedly appealed for assistance without receiving the level of intervention its people desire.

As the state prepares to implement its proposed N1.237 trillion budget for 2027, the government should urgently reconsider the infrastructural needs of Ebu and make the rehabilitation of the Ebu-Ukala-Ezi road a priority.

History has a way of recording the achievements and failures of every administration.

 Governor Oborevwori will ultimately be judged not only by the size of the budgets approved under his leadership but also by the communities reached by his development policies and the lives transformed by his administration.

It would be unfortunate if a once-thriving agricultural community such as Ebu continues to feature in the history of Delta State as a symbol of prolonged infrastructural neglect.

Ebu is not asking for special treatment. It is asking for fairness, inclusion and the opportunity to enjoy the dividends of democracy. The Ebu-Ukala-Ezi road must not be forgotten again.

By: Eshor Media Team 

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