Gentlemen of the press, respected stakeholders, and the good people of Imo State,
I stand before you today as Prince Maduba Chukwudi Francis (Olu-Imo), Coordinator of the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Movement (NDPYM), to speak on behalf of communities whose voices have been too long overlooked and whose daily realities demand urgent attention. This address is born out of concern, responsibility, and the pressing need to bring lasting solutions to the challenges facing the Agwa/Ejemekwuru axis of Oguta Local Government Area.
For many years, our people have lived with the burden of neglect in key areas of development. At the heart of these challenges is the worsening condition of the Agwa/Ejemekwuru Road, a critical route that connects several communities and supports economic and social life in the region. What should ordinarily serve as a pathway for development has become a difficult and dangerous road to travel. Movement of goods and services has been slowed down, economic activities have suffered, and daily life has become increasingly difficult. Farmers struggle to evacuate their produce, traders face avoidable losses, and emergency situations are worsened by poor accessibility. This situation is no longer acceptable and requires urgent attention.
In addition to the road infrastructure crisis, our educational system in these communities is in a worrying state. Many schools operate in environments that are not suitable for effective learning. Several school buildings are either dilapidated or insufficient to accommodate the number of pupils and students enrolled. As a result, children are forced to learn under difficult conditions that limit concentration, creativity, and academic performance. When education suffers, the future of any society is placed at risk, and this is a reality we can no longer ignore.
Beyond physical infrastructure, there is also a growing concern about political inclusion and representation. Our communities have consistently expressed a desire to be more actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives. However, there remains a sense of exclusion that continues to affect trust and participation in governance. A truly democratic system must ensure fairness, balance, and equal opportunity for all groups, regardless of location or background.
Against this backdrop, we present the following demands with clarity and urgency.
We call for the immediate commencement of the reconstruction and full rehabilitation of the Agwa/Ejemekwuru Road. This project is not just necessary; it is urgent for the survival of local economic activities and for the safe movement of our people.
We also demand the immediate upgrading, renovation, and construction of primary and secondary school facilities across the affected communities. Our children deserve access to safe, functional, and dignified learning environments that prepare them for a better future.
Furthermore, we strongly appeal for fair political inclusion and equitable representation. We urge the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in Imo State to consider the need for balance and justice by giving credible representatives from our constituency the opportunity to contest key political positions, including the House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the Imo West Senatorial District. This call is anchored on fairness, inclusion, and the principle of equal participation in governance.
These demands are not made out of sentiment, but out of urgent necessity. They reflect the genuine needs of our people and the direction required for meaningful development in our communities.
We therefore call on the Imo State Government, political leaders, and all relevant stakeholders to rise to the responsibility of leadership by addressing these concerns with sincerity and urgency. The time has come to move beyond discussions and toward real, visible action.
The Niger Delta Progressive Youth Movement remains committed to constructive engagement, peaceful advocacy, and the continuous pursuit of development and justice for our people. We will continue to speak where it matters and stand where it counts until positive change is achieved.
Thank you for your attention.
Signed:
Prince Maduba Chukwudi Francis (Olu-Imo)
Coordinator, Niger Delta Progressive Youth Movement (NDPYM)
