By Eseoghene Emuke
The President of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Ireland chapter, Omiragwa Lucky Ohwofasa Eghagbevwa, has decried what he described as years of neglect and the underdevelopment of Enerhen community in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, despite playing host to several companies in the state.
Eghagbevwa, an indigene and former vice chairman of Enerhen community, called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Uvwie local government chairman, Hon. Anthony Ofoni, and interventionist agencies such as NDDC and DESOPADEC to urgently address critical infrastructure and healthcare challenges in the area.
In a statement on Tuesday, the UPU leader said despite the community’s consistent political participation and support, particularly in the last election, Enerhen has continued to suffer from poor infrastructure, lack of jobs and inadequate healthcare services.
He noted that while the community maintains strong traditional ties with the Udu Kingdom, it operates politically within Uvwie, a situation he said has left the area underserved in terms of development.
Eghagbevwa, however, commended Oborevwori on the Enerhen flyover project and for appointing an indigene of Enerhen as Senior Special Assistant, describing it as a step in the right direction, but stated that more needs to be done.
The former President of Enerhen Community Contractors Committee (ECCC) added that the state government under Oborevwori has recorded visible progress, but stressed that such development must reflect at the grassroots level.
“While the state prospers, Enerhen remains in the shadows. Our people are still grappling with broken roads, unemployment and a failing healthcare system,” he said.
He expressed concern over the condition of the community’s healthcare centre, describing it as inadequate to serve the needs of over 50,000 residents, which he said is a major town in Uvwie LGA of the state.
According to him, the facility lacks essential drugs, modern equipment and sufficient personnel, adding that he personally intervened in 2019 to renovate parts of the centre.
Eghagbevwa said appeals to the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area, Chief Tony Ofoni, and the DESOPADEC Commissioner, Hon. Jonathan O. Goru, had yet to yield positive results.
Calling for urgent intervention, he identified key priority areas including the construction of the Enerhen-Opete Bridge, rehabilitation and proper equipping of the healthcare centre, and greater political inclusion of Enerhen indigenes.
“The Enerhen-Opete Bridge is not just infrastructure; it is our connection to opportunity and development,” he said.
He also urged government officials to prioritise basic healthcare delivery, noting that access to quality medical services is a fundamental right.
On political inclusion, Eghagbevwa maintained that loyal supporters and contributors to governance should be recognised, stressing that Enerhen people deserve a fair share of development and representation.
“Enerhen is not a community that amounts to nothing. We have shown commitment and loyalty. It is time for government to reciprocate,” he added.
He reaffirmed the community’s hope for positive change, urging authorities to act swiftly to address the concerns raised.
