No Power, Water, Health Facilities in Opobo: What Will Gov. Fubara Be Remembered For? — MOSIEND
Leaders of the Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationalities in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) have lamented the poor state of infrastructure in Opobo Town, Rivers State, describing the absence of basic amenities as unacceptable for a community that has produced several high-ranking government officials.
The concerns were raised during a radio programme, “MOSIEND Half Hour: Community Voice” on Rhythm 93.7 FM, Port Harcourt, monitored by our correspondent.
Speaking on the programme, the Chairman of the Ibani Opobo Clan of MOSIEND, Comrade Favour Ubani, alongside the Chairman of the Kalama Clans, Evangelist Comrade Rogers John Africa, decried the lack of electricity, potable water, functional healthcare facilities and adequate educational infrastructure in the town.
The MOSIEND leaders questioned the legacy projects that Governor Siminalayi Fubara would be remembered for at the end of his tenure, particularly as Opobo remains largely underdeveloped.
Responding to questions on existing government projects, Comrade Ubani said there was nothing tangible to point to apart from the Bori–Opobo Road. Comrade Africa added that the road project was initiated during the tenure of Dakuku Peterside as Commissioner for Works and was later completed under the administration of Governor Fubara.
They expressed grave concern over maternal healthcare in the area, noting that pregnant women are compelled to rely on traditional birth attendants due to the non-functionality of the town’s health centre.
“The issue of maternal healthcare is a serious concern to the women folk,” Comrade Ubani said.
The leaders further lamented the absence of street lighting, stating that the few streetlights provided by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are grossly inadequate. According to them, the town also lacks a fuel station, forcing residents to travel long distances to Bori or Nkoro to purchase fuel.
They added that women in Opobo are in need of a larger, well-equipped market to cater for the growing population, while children lack access to clean drinking water and basic healthcare services.
“The women need a market big enough for the population, and the children need clean water and healthcare,” they said.
Calling on the local government council chairman to live up to expectations, the MOSIEND leaders urged him to ensure the provision of basic amenities for the people, noting that this was the primary reason for his election.
They also advocated shore protection projects, youth empowerment through skill acquisition, and proper monitoring of starter packs given to trained youths. In addition, they lamented the absence of constituency projects by members of the State Assembly representing the area and urged them to hold town hall meetings to engage the people and implement need-driven projects.
The MOSIEND leaders noted that the organisation’s sustained advocacy for community development is yielding positive results, particularly among youths, leading to a reduction in social vices and improved peace in the area.
While commending Governor Fubara for awarding contracts for the construction of internal roads in Opobo, they expressed concern over the slow pace of work. They also praised the governor for his peace-building efforts in the state, despite what they described as provocations and undemocratic actions by political opponents aimed at destabilising governance.
Opobo Town, which has produced notable sons and daughters, including a deputy governor, commissioners and even the current governor, continues to lack basic amenities, underscoring the urgent need for deliberate and sustained development interventions.
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