EBU, DELTA STATE – Residents of Ebu, a predominantly agrarian community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, have renewed calls for urgent government intervention after years of infrastructural decay left the community struggling with poor road networks, inadequate public facilities, and economic hardship.
For decades, residents say Ebu has suffered neglect from successive administrations, with deteriorating roads, dilapidated schools, poorly equipped healthcare facilities, and limited access to essential services becoming part of daily life. The situation has worsened during the rainy season as flooding and erosion have rendered major roads nearly impassable, disrupting transportation, agriculture, commerce, and social activities.
Hope was rekindled on Thursday when a high-powered government delegation led by the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Olorogun Innocent Esewezie, visited the community to assess the condition of the Ebu–Illah–Ugbolu Road and engage with residents.
The delegation included the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oshimili North, Hon. Austin Nnabuife, Hon. Barr. Princess Pat Ajudua, Chief Patrick Ukah, Chief Olisa Ifeajika, and other prominent political stakeholders.
During the inspection, the team witnessed firsthand the severity of the road crisis. The delegation was reportedly unable to continue through sections of the federal Ugbolu–Illah–Ebu Road because they had become virtually impassable. As a result, they diverted through the Ezi-Ukala–Ebu Road, a state road constructed more than three decades ago during the administration of former Governor James Ibori but now in a state of advanced deterioration.
On arrival in Ebu, the delegation observed several trailers and heavy-duty trucks stranded along the road, unable to proceed due to the collapsed sections of the route.
The team was received by the traditional ruler, the Onu of Ebu, alongside community leaders and residents, who highlighted the devastating impact of the failing road network on transportation, agriculture, trade, education, healthcare, and overall economic development.
Speaking during the visit, Olorogun Esewezie said the delegation came to identify with the people of Ebu and neighbouring communities while obtaining firsthand information on the extent of the challenges confronting them.
He assured residents that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is fully aware of the situation and remains committed to finding a lasting solution.
According to him, the Delta State Government recognises the urgency of the situation and will initiate the necessary processes aimed at restoring the affected roads and improving access for residents and motorists.
Responding on behalf of the community, the Onu of Ebu commended the delegation for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of responsive leadership.
He appealed to the Delta State Government to prioritise the reconstruction of the Ebu–Ezi-Ukala Road, describing it as the community’s major gateway to the outside world.
The monarch lamented that the deplorable condition of the road has effectively isolated Ebu from neighbouring communities, severely affecting movement, trade, and economic activities.
Despite the government’s assurances, many residents remain cautiously optimistic.
Mr. Ide Idabor said the community has witnessed several inspection visits over the years without tangible results.
“Ebu has suffered for decades. This is not the first time government officials have visited these roads. Many people have already lost hope because previous inspections did not lead to action,” he said.
Another resident, Kema Ogbolu, described the community as one that has been excluded from the state’s development agenda.
“For years we have cried for help. Nothing has been done. Ebu is bleeding because critical infrastructure has been neglected for too long. We sincerely hope this visit will finally translate into meaningful action,” he said.
Although residents welcomed the inspection, many insist that what the community urgently needs is not another assessment but immediate reconstruction of the failed roads.
For the people of Ebu, the visit represents a crucial test of government’s commitment to inclusive development. They believe only swift intervention can reconnect the community to neighbouring towns, revive economic activities, and restore public confidence after decades of neglect.
