Group Writes Open Letter To Ogedegbe, Says Lingering Developmental Concerns In Abraka Deserve Urgent, Strategic Attention

By Daniel Dafe

The Coordinator of Delta State Advocate for Grassroot Development, Goodluck A. Owuma, has written an open letter to the Chairman, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Hon. Augustine Ogedegbe, over alleged neglect of his community.

In the letter titled ‘A Call for Urgent Attention to Critical Needs in Abraka Community,’ Owuma acknowledged and appreciated Ogedegbe’s “prompt and commendable intervention” following their previous advocacy regarding the refuse dumps along Campus 4 Road, Police Station Road, Abraka.

“Your swift response—leading to the removal of the waste within days—demonstrated a rare commitment to responsive leadership and grassroots engagement. For this, we salute your passion for service and thank you sincerely,” he said.

He continued: “Building upon that momentum, we now respectfully draw your attention to several lingering developmental concerns in Abraka which we believe deserve urgent and strategic attention under your leadership.”

“The Abraka Main Junction before Campus 1 Gate, along the expressway, has become increasingly impassable. This vital corridor—used daily by thousands of Delta State University staff, students, traders, and visitors—has deteriorated due to erosion and flooding, posing serious risks to mobility, safety, and economic activity.

“The federal road leading to Umiaghwa Secondary School, Oria-Abraka, remains ungraded and waterlogged, especially during rainy seasons. This condition not only disrupts education but also creates security concerns and access barriers for rural dwellers.

“The Government Housing Estate at Oria-Abraka, initiated by His Excellency Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan after the 2013 rerun election, has remained largely abandoned over the years. While the current administration has shown interest, there is a growing need for a coordinated push to ensure the completion of this noble project to address the rising housing demands of Abraka and its environs.”

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On healthcare infrastructure and personnel, Owuma said health centres across Abraka are in critical need of attention.

His words: “The shortage of doctors, nurses, and essential medical equipment—including beds, fans, and basic furniture—has created enormous strain on available facilities.

“The General Hospital in Abraka, despite serving a large population, continues to suffer from overcrowding, limited equipment, and inadequate personnel, resulting in suboptimal healthcare delivery.”

He noted “the statutory limitations of the Local Government Council in handling large-scale infrastructure and staffing projects,” saying: “Recognizing this, we kindly urge your distinguished office to leverage its goodwill and position to formally escalate these urgent matters to the appropriate authorities, including: Delta State Ministry of Health, Delta State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Ministry of Works (concerning federal roads in Abraka).”

Meanwhile, he opined that “Abraka remains a strategic town—a seat of learning, a hub of commerce, and a model of peaceful coexistence,” just as he lamented that “yet, its development has not fully reflected its potential and contributions to the local government and Delta State at large.”

“We believe the time has come for Abraka to receive its fair share of attention in infrastructure, healthcare, and social services. With your continued commitment and proactive engagement, we are confident that the tide will turn positively for the people of Abraka.

“We thank you once again for your dedication, and we encourage you to keep your doors open to the voices of the grassroots, knowing that true leadership is defined by listening, engaging, and acting,” he concluded.