Draft:Okerewa, Rivers
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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 (commonly referred to as "Okerewa Community") is a town located in the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The town comprises four main communities locally termed "compounds" by its indigenes, which are thought to have originated from four founding brothers who settled in that area and agreed to unite their compounds. These compounds include:
- Mgbimbgii Compound
- Aarah Compound
- Eteeh Compound
- Ngo-Osarogo Compound
Okerewa's population is predominantly from the Eleme ethnic group, which speaks the Eleme language; however, English is also widely spoken in schools and official functions.
The current paramount ruler of Okerewa Community is Chief Comrade Eteeh Osaro Elechi.
History
[edit]The origins of Okerewa trace back to the union of four brothers, each founding one of the town’s main compounds. Oral traditions suggest that this alliance was based on mutual agreements for defence and shared resources. Over the years, Okerewa has experienced both internal and external challenges, including disputes over land and resources.
From the late 20th century, the community’s relationship with companies operating in the Niger Delta, particularly Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, significantly influenced its modern history. In the 1970s, vast farmlands in the community were acquired by the Nigerian government for the establishment of Eleme Petrochemical, which was later privatized and acquired by Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals in 2006. During this acquisition, the Federal Government granted host communities, including Okerewa, a 7.5% share of Indorama's dividends. However, the management of these dividends led to years of internal conflict, distrust, and stagnation in development, culminating in legal battles and violent clashes from 2012 to 2018.[1]
In 2019, a resolution was reached, leading to the creation of the Okerewa Community Development Initiative (OCDI), a body tasked with managing the community’s share of the dividends. Since its formation, the OCDI, currently led by Hon. Benjamin Ngokanya, has since worked on various development initiatives, focusing on infrastructure, education, and local enterprise.[1]
Geography
[edit]Okerewa is situated within the Niger Delta region[2], a part of Nigeria known for its rich natural resources and industrial activities. The town's location near key industrial sites has influenced both its economy and its environmental challenges, especially in relation to oil and gas operations. The town’s central feature, Okerewa Road, connects it to nearby communities and serves as a vital thoroughfare.[3]
In 2024, following an oil spill, the Rivers State Assembly ordered Shell to commence a clean up of affected communities. The incident prompted concerns about environmental governance and the responsibilities of oil companies operating in the region[4]. The cleanup process is being monitored by local authorities to ensure compliance with environmental standards.[5]
Economy
[edit]The local economy was traditionally based on agriculture, but developments by the Okerewa Community Development Initiative (OCDI) and the Okerewa Cooperative have established the business and investment arm of the community. The Okerewa Smart Farm, a recent addition, integrates modern farming techniques and provides training to community members. The Okerewa Cooperative offers microloans and facilitates small business growth through programs like equipment rentals and point-of-sale (POS) services.[2]
Government and administration
[edit]The Okerewa Community is governed through a traditional structure led by the Paramount Ruler, Chief Comrade Eteeh Osaro Elechi, who collaborates with the Okerewa Community Development Initiative (OCDI) and the Council of Chiefs and Elders of Okerewa.
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.[6]
The OCDI was formed in 2019 and is responsible for managing community resources, particularly the community’s 7.5% dividend from Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals. The community also has a Cooperative Society known as Okerewa Community Peaceful Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, which was registered in 2021 and is in charge of giving soft loans to individuals and SMEs, third party project financing, rental of equipment for events, thrift/point-of-sale (POS) services, real estate, agriculture, and asset management. The cooperative collaborates with National Foundations like the Partners In the Niger Delta (PIND) foundation, receiving funds to benefit the community.[7]
Infrastructure
[edit]In recent years, infrastructure projects such as road construction, street lighting, and a health center have been undertaken in Okerewa. A 10-year agreement with Chanita Construction Company has led to the phased construction of internal roads. Additionally, the OCDI in collaboration with CAD Consulting Limited, has facilitated the establishment of the Okerewa Digital Smart Farm, a multi-unit agricultural ecosystem project which comprises of various livestock and crop units, offering agricultural modernization and community training.[2]
Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals has also contributed to the local community through various social responsibility initiatives. These include supporting education, healthcare infrastructure, and local development projects.[8] A Memorandum of Understanding was reached between Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals and the host communities to protect the rights of both parties Between the host communities of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Complex and Indorama Nigeria.[9]
Education
[edit]The OCDI implemented various educational programs, including local and foreign scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Community members have undergone skill acquisition programs, including computer training and welding, preparing them to participate in the Okerewa Digital Smart Farm initiative.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Oboh (2024-09-29). "How Okerewa community ended insecurity, triggered development – Stakeholders". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ a b c d Nigeria, Guardian (2024-09-23). "From a struggling community to a thriving; The Okerewa story". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
- ^ "Okerewa Rd · Abuloma, Eleme 501101, Rivers, Nigeria". Okerewa Rd · Abuloma, Eleme 501101, Rivers, Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
- ^ "Shell oil spill in 2023 in Ogoniland , Eleme LGA, Nigeria". ejatlas.org. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
- ^ "Oil Spill: Rivers Assembly orders Shell to clean up communities". www.premiumtimesng.com. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
- ^ "Youths Protest Alleged Irregularities Of Shares Payment In Rivers". www.channelstv.com. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
- ^ "PIND Foundation - Monitoring & Evaluation Report" (PDF). PIND Foundation: 19–20.
- ^ "How Okerewa community ended insecurity, triggered development – Stakeholders". www.vanguardngr.com. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
- ^ "Memorandum of Understanding Between the host communities of Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Complex and Indorama Nigeria" (PDF). U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).