Community Chief Decries Deteriorating Schools, Poor Roads

The Head of Chiefs in Nkpolu, Rumuigbo, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Eze Ogwutum Ezekiel, has decried the deplorable condition of schools in the community, disclosing that pupils have stopped attending the secondary school due to the challenges facing the facility.
Eze Ezekiel, who made this known recently in an exclusive interview with Tide, in Rumuigbo, also lamented the poor state of the community’s primary school and roads, calling on the government to urgently intervene to address the situation.
He expressed concern over the state of educational infrastructure in Nkpolu, stressing the need for the relevant authorities to restore conducive learning conditions for children in the community.
The traditional leader said the situation required urgent attention, noting that access to functional schools was essential to the educational development and future of children in the area.
He also called on youths and other residents of Nkpolu to maintain peace during elections, and urged eligible voters to cast their votes peacefully and return to their homes afterwards.
He warned against violence and the disruption of electoral activities at polling units, stressing that “youths and other members of the community must conduct themselves responsibly before, during and after elections.”

On the relationship between Nkpolu and neighbouring communities, he explained that Nkpolu falls under Apara, which is also under Egbema, adding that the paramount ruler of Apara hails from Nkpolu.
He stated that there was no dispute between Nkpolu and the neighbouring communities, and that their traditional and communal relationships remained peaceful.
Speaking on land grabbing, Eze Ezekiel said he had not experienced any case of forceful land acquisition in the community, saying that the land in question had been sold and was almost fully developed.
On development projects, the community leader identified the ongoing installation of solar streetlights as one of the developments in Nkpolu.
He also mentioned a hall constructed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), existing streetlights and road repairs among projects associated with the commission, while reiterating the need for further infrastructural development.
The paramount ruler further disclosed that his traditional stool had yet to receive official government recognition, but expressed optimism that it would eventually be recognised.
He appealed to the government to address the challenges confronting Nkpolu, particularly the poor condition of schools and roads, while urging residents to sustain the peace and unity necessary for the community’s development.

By: Goodness Emelue & Fruitful Wodi