Ijaw youths from the oil-rich Odidi community in OML 42, located in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, have declared their intent to lead a significant protest aimed at shutting down the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), should the current leadership under Dr. Samuel Ogbuku persist in neglecting their community.

In a statement issued by the community Chairman, Preye Okrikpa, and distributed to journalists in Warri over the weekend, it was revealed that the Odidi Federated Communities, representing the local youths, are fully prepared to stage a protest at the NDDC headquarters until their long-standing grievances regarding developmental neglect are addressed.

Expressing disappointment, Okrikpa highlighted that despite numerous appeals made to the Commission during previous administrations, including several letters written, there has been a consistent lack of attention towards Odidi’s concerns.

The statement emphasized that the need for protest arises due to the absence of basic amenities such as healthcare facilities, potable water, or educational institutions in Odidi, despite being an oil-producing community contributing significantly to Nigeria’s annual budget.

Calling upon the Federal Government, relevant agencies, and oil companies operating in the area, Okrikpa urged urgent action to address the community’s pressing needs.

Despite being a significant host to oil companies like the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Neconde in OML 42, Odidi community continues to grapple with severe poverty, as emphasized in the statement.

Okrikpa reiterated the community’s demand for inclusion in the NDDC’s 2024 projects and warned of escalated action, including protests at the NDDC offices in Port Harcourt and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), if their concerns remain unaddressed.