Draft:Okerewa, Rivers
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Last edited by Miminity (talk | contribs) 42 hours ago. (Update) |
Okerewa | |
|---|---|
Town | |
| Motto: Okerewa - Onensi | |
  Okerewa | |
| Coordinates: 4°47′38″N 7°07′05″E / 4.7940°N 7.1180°E | |
| Country | Nigeria |
| State | Rivers State |
| LGA | Eleme |
| Government | |
| • Paramount Ruler | Chief Comrade Eteeh Osaro Elechi |
| • OCDI Chairman | Hon. Benjamin Ngokanya |
| Population (2024) | |
| • Total | 5,000 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (WAT) |
Okerewa is a town located in the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria.[1] It comprises four communities often referred to as 'compounds' by its indigenes. These communities, which are believed to have originated from four brothers who agreed to unite their compounds, include:
- Mgbimbgii Compound
- Aarah Compound
- Eteeh Compound
- Ngo-Osarogo Compound
The paramount ruler of Okerewa Community is Chief Comrade Eteeh Osaro Elechi.
History
[edit]Okerewa has experienced significant development, especially after the intervention regarding the management of its share dividends from Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited. Initially, the community faced crises of trust, transparency, and accountability that resulted in legal battles, property destruction, and loss of lives, including that of a youth leader, Aji Ngoya. However, between 2019 and 2021, an amicable resolution was reached, leading to the establishment of the Okerewa Community Development Initiative (OCDI) to manage the community's shares. This period marked a turning point, as significant infrastructure, education, and social projects were initiated.[citation needed]
Geography
[edit]Okerewa is situated in Rivers State, Nigeria, within the Niger Delta region.[citation needed]
Demographics
[edit]The population of Okerewa is composed of various ethnic groups, with Eleme being the dominant ethnicity. Eleme is the primary language spoken, although English is also widely used, especially in official and educational settings.[citation needed]
Economy
[edit]The economy of Okerewa has been revitalised through the efforts of the OCDI and the Okerewa Cooperative, established as the business and investment arm of the community. Key economic activities include agriculture, supported by the Okerewa Digital Smart Farm, which employs modern technology to enhance productivity and generate income for the community. Other economic ventures include SME loans, rentals, and POS services.[citation needed]
Culture
[edit]The people of Okerewa are known for their rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional festivals, cuisine, and community gatherings.[citation needed]
Government and administration
[edit]The Okerewa Community is governed through a structure led by the OCDI, which ensures that the dividends from Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited are managed transparently and equitably. The community also has a Peaceful Multipurpose Cooperative Society that contributes to local governance by managing investments and supporting community projects.
In 2017, the current OCDI Chairman, Hon. Benjamin Ngokanya, led a protest against Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals, citing alleged irregularities in the payment of community shares. The protest underscored local dissatisfaction with the company's distribution practices and reflected broader tensions surrounding resource allocation and corporate responsibility in the area.[2]
In 2024, the Rivers State Assembly ordered Shell to clean up after a significant oil spill affected local communities. The incident prompted concerns about environmental governance and the responsibilities of oil companies operating in the region. The cleanup process is being monitored by local authorities to ensure compliance with environmental standards.[3]
Infrastructure
[edit]Significant infrastructure developments have taken place in Okerewa, particularly road construction under a 10-year agreement with Chanita Construction Company. The community's internal roads, previously dilapidated, are being constructed in phases, improving transportation and reducing flooding during the rainy season. Additionally, the Smart Farm initiative has established Okerewa as a hub for agricultural innovation and sustainability.[citation needed]
Indorama Eleme has made significant contributions to the local community through various social responsibility initiatives. These include supporting education by providing school materials, improving healthcare infrastructure, and investing in local development projects. The company's efforts aim to improve the well-being of the surrounding communities and foster sustainable growth in the region.[4]
An environmental impact assessment conducted by DFC highlighted potential environmental effects from industrial activities in the region. Indorama has implemented several mitigation strategies to minimise environmental degradation, including waste management and pollution control measures. The assessment underscores the importance of balancing industrial growth with environmental protection.[5]
Education
[edit]Education is a priority for the Okerewa Community. The OCDI has implemented a robust educational initiative that includes local and foreign scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Skill acquisition programmes in areas such as computer training, welding, and fabrication are also available, contributing to human capital development.
References
[edit]- ^ "List of villages in Rivers State", Wikipedia, 2024-06-23, retrieved 2024-08-30
- ^ "Youths Protest Alleged Irregularities Of Shares Payment In Rivers". www.channelstv.com. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
- ^ "Oil Spill: Rivers Assembly orders Shell to clean up communities". www.premiumtimesng.com. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
- ^ "Community". www.indoramaeleme.com. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
- ^ "Memorandum of Understanding Between the host communities of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Complex and Indorama Nigeria" (PDF). U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).