Eruemukohwarien: A Community Bleeding Black Gold But Starved Of Development

Mr. Anighoro Godwin

Eruemukohwarien Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State holds a unique but painful place in Nigeria’s oil history. As the second location where crude oil was discovered in the country—dating back to 1958—Eruemukohwarien has contributed immensely to the economic lifeline of the nation for over six decades. Yet, ironically, the community continues to exist on the margins of infrastructural development, political recognition, and governmental presence.

From 1958 to date, the black gold extracted from the soils of Eruemukohwarien has powered industries, financed national budgets, and fed generations across Nigeria. However, the community itself bears little evidence of this wealth. The roads remain dilapidated, health and educational infrastructure is either absent or inadequate, and there is little to no presence of meaningful federal, state, or local government projects. The only semblance of accessibility or infrastructure in the area is a result of relentless negotiation and self-help efforts by community members with oil multinationals operating in the area.

Even more disturbing is the contradiction that defines our daily existence: beneath our feet flows the very gas that powers turbines supplying electricity across the country. Yet, we in Eruemukohwarien are relegated to Band E—one of the worst power distribution categories—barely receiving four to six hours of electricity per day. The daytime power supply is almost nonexistent. How is it that the land fueling national energy sits in darkness?

Worse still, the sons and daughters of this community walk the streets unemployed, with no placements in local, state, or federal ministries. There are no significant youth employment programs. It is by sheer struggle, grit, and relentless effort that you see a few of our people in oil companies. We are an invisible people, yet our contribution to the Nigerian economy is undeniably visible.

ALSO READ: Abia State Governor Set To Honour Esther Okoronkwo

It is no surprise, therefore, that the recent appointment of Mr. Godwin Anigboro, as the President General of Eruemukohwarien Community, is being viewed as a turning point in a long-standing struggle for justice and visibility. During a solidarity visit by all the President Generals in Ughelli Kingdom, Mr. Anigboro paid tribute to his immediate predecessor, Comrade Uloho Ochuko, who died in a mysterious circumstance in the course of the struggle for the emancipation of the community. With emotion-laden resolve, Mr. Anigboro vowed to continue the fight for equity, dignity, and development for his people.

The continued neglect of a community so vital to Nigeria’s economic engine raises serious questions about governance, equity, and the true meaning of resource control. If oil- and gas-producing communities like Eruemukohwarien remain in darkness while powering the nation, then we must ask: Who really benefits from the wealth beneath our soil?

We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Delta State Government, the local government, the Niger Delta Ministry, and relevant agencies such as the NDDC, DESOPADEC and Ministry of Petroleum Resources to turn their gaze to Eruemukohwarien. It is not just a moral obligation—it is a developmental necessity. The people of Eruemukohwarien deserve better. They deserve roads, schools, hospitals, clean water, reliable electricity, job opportunities, and, above all, recognition.

Justice delayed is development denied. The time to act is now.