The Chairman of Azama Federated Community in the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Comrade Layefa Ikpidi, has appealed to the Federal Government, Delta State Government and intervention agencies to give greater attention to the infrastructural development of riverine communities, lamenting the absence of internal roads in Azama.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the community leader said the lack of internal road networks in the ancient community is negatively affecting the movement of residents, goods and services, as well as limiting commercial activities and other socioeconomic opportunities.

According to him, despite the enormous contributions of the riverine and oil-producing areas to the economic fortunes of the country, many communities in the creeks are still confronted with significant infrastructural deficits that require urgent attention.

He stressed that sustainable development of the Niger Delta should not be concentrated mainly in urban centres, but must extend to communities in the riverine areas where basic infrastructure remains inadequate.

He therefore called on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), relevant federal and state ministries, intervention agencies and other development stakeholders to consider the award and construction of internal roads and accompanying drainage infrastructure in Azama.

“Azama is an ancient community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, but one of the major challenges confronting our people is the lack of internal roads. This affects movement within the community, commerce and the general socioeconomic wellbeing of our people.

“We are therefore appealing to the Federal Government, Delta State Government, NDDC and other intervention agencies to consider the construction of internal roads in Azama and also give greater attention to the development needs of riverine communities.

“Our people also deserve access to quality infrastructure. Opening up our communities through road projects and other basic amenities will stimulate economic activities, create opportunities and improve the standard of living of residents,” he said.

The Chairman maintained that providing infrastructure in riverine communities would also complement ongoing efforts by stakeholders to sustain peace and stability in Gbaramatu Kingdom and the wider Niger Delta region.

The Azama chairman commended prominent leaders and stakeholders for their contributions towards peace, empowerment, human capital development and the overall advancement of Gbaramatu Kingdom.

He particularly expressed appreciation to High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo; Mr. Matthew Tonlagha; High Chief Kestin Pondi; and the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, among other leaders and stakeholders.

According to him, their various interventions, empowerment programmes, humanitarian gestures and support for communities have continued to positively impact lives and contribute to peace and development across the kingdom.

He prayed for God to strengthen the leaders and other well-meaning stakeholders as they continue to contribute towards the growth of Gbaramatu Kingdom and the Niger Delta.

The Chairman reaffirmed Azama Federated Community's commitment to peace and cooperation with the government and development partners, while reiterating that addressing the infrastructural deficit in riverine communities would promote inclusive development and give residents a greater sense of belonging.