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 called "Okerewa Community") is a town located in the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The town is composed of four primary communities often referred to as "compounds" by its indigenes, which are believed to have originated from four brothers who settled in that area and agreed to unite their compounds. These compounds include:
- Mgbimbgii Compound
- Aarah Compound
- Eteeh Compound
- Ngo-Osarogo Compound
The paramount ruler of Okerewa Community is Chief Comrade Eteeh Osaro Elechi, who plays a significant role in the governance of the community.
The population of Okerewa is primarily composed of the Eleme ethnic group, which speaks the Eleme language. The town has seen a mix of other ethnic groups, and English is commonly used in schools and official functions.
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.
During the late 20th century, the community’s relationship with companies operating in the Niger Delta, particularly Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, has shaped its modern development. 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 set its sights on reaching goals such as infrastructural development, educational empowerment, and local business investments.[1]
[Insert details about key historical events or figures based on community feedback.]
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. Okerewa Community can be easily recognised on Google Maps by Okerewa Road.[3]
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. Modern farming techniques have been employed in the Okerewa Smart Farm to generate income for the community and local businesses are being suupporrted by the Okerewa Cooperative with SMEs loans, rentals, and POS services.[2]
[Insert specific details about economic growth, SMEs, and the impact of the cooperative.]
Government and administration
[edit]The Okerewa Community is governed through a structure led by the OCDI, which ensures that the dividends from Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited are managed transparently and equitably. The community also has a Peaceful Multipurpose Cooperative Society that contributes to local governance by managing investments and supporting community projects.
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.[4]
In 2024, the Rivers State Assembly ordered Shell to clean up after a significant oil spill affected local communities. The incident prompted concerns about environmental governance and the responsibilities of oil companies operating in the region[5]. The cleanup process is being monitored by local authorities to ensure compliance with environmental standards.[6]
Infrastructure
[edit]Significant infrastructure developments have taken place in Okerewa, particularly road construction under a 10-year agreement with Chanita Construction Company. The community's internal roads, previously dilapidated, are being constructed in phases, improving transportation and reducing flooding during the rainy season. Additionally, the Smart Farm initiative has established Okerewa as a hub for agricultural innovation and sustainability.[2]
Indorama Eleme has made significant contributions to the local community through various social responsibility initiatives. These include supporting education by providing school materials, improving healthcare infrastructure, and investing in local development projects. The company's efforts aim to improve the well-being of the surrounding communities and foster sustainable growth in the region.[7]
An environmental impact assessment conducted by DFC highlighted potential environmental effects from industrial activities in the region. Indorama has implemented several mitigation strategies to minimise environmental degradation, including waste management and pollution control measures. The assessment underscores the importance of balancing industrial growth with environmental protection.[8]
Education
[edit]Education is a priority for the Okerewa Community. The OCDI has implemented a robust educational initiative that includes local and foreign scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Skill acquisition programmes in areas such as computer training, welding, and fabrication are also available, contributing to human capital development.[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.
- ^ "Youths Protest Alleged Irregularities Of Shares Payment In Rivers". www.channelstv.com. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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).