Residents of Ohoror community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have boldly rejected flood relief materials brought by Council Chairman Jaro Egbo, citing disgust at the quality and quantity of the items. The irate youths made it clear that they’re not hungry or in need of handouts, but instead demand meaningful change and development.
The community’s frustration stems from years of neglect and disregard by the government. Mrs. Ogor, a resident, expressed, “We’ve been tagged as hungry people, and it’s shameful. We’re not just looking for temporary fixes, but sustainable initiatives that address our root problems.” The youths’ rejection of the relief materials is a powerful statement, saying they won’t settle for token gestures anymore ¹.
The relief materials, which included bags of sachet water, foams for school pupils, palm oil, and other petty items, were deemed insufficient. Chairman Egbo eventually left the materials with the community, instructing leaders to collect them at the council office later. However, he emphasized that distribution would continue in other affected communities.
This incident highlights the need for governments to listen to communities’ concerns and provide meaningful support. Similar efforts to provide relief have been made in other states, such as Bayelsa, where the Nigerian Air Force airlifted materials to flooded communities. However, Ohoror community’s stance shows that temporary solutions won’t suffice; they demand genuine investment in their community.
The ball is now in the government’s court to respond to these demands and work towards building trust with the community.
