Women from the oil-rich Ilaje region of Ondo State are raising their voices loud and clear, demanding an end to what they describe as years of neglect and marginalization by the Nigerian government.
Under the banner of the Niger Delta Network for Ondo Indigenous Women, the group is urging President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to address the injustices faced by Ilaje communities—despite their immense contributions to the country’s oil wealth.
“We Contribute Billions, But Get Nothing in Return”
In a powerful statement signed by the group’s President, Chief (Mrs.) Otunba Funmileyi Omogbemi, and Secretary, Adetoke Owoyemi, the women lamented how Ilaje remains underdeveloped while other Niger Delta states benefit from major federal projects.
“Ilaje produces over 60,000 barrels of crude oil daily, with an estimated 4 billion barrels of reserves, yet we remain neglected,” the statement read.
The group accused the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under Dr. Dennis Otuaro of deliberately sidelining Ilaje communities, refusing to engage with them while other Niger Delta regions enjoy continued empowerment and developmental programs.
“We have watched as our people suffer environmental degradation, economic hardship, and exclusion from key federal programs. Meanwhile, other oil-producing regions continue to enjoy privileges that we are unjustly denied,” they added.
A History of Broken Promises
The women recalled that in 2017, Ilaje youths were disarmed under the Presidential Amnesty initiative, yet they have been abandoned and left struggling, unlike their counterparts in other Niger Delta states who continue to benefit.
“Our youths are in despair. They were disarmed and promised a better future, but all they got was frustration and hopelessness,” the group stated.
Demands for Immediate Action
Warning that tension is rising among Ilaje youths, the group listed urgent demands for the government:
Fair and just administration of the Presidential Amnesty Programme
Equitable distribution of amnesty benefits across all Niger Delta communities
Accountability for officials overseeing the program, including Dr. Otuaro
An end to administrative bias and unfair resource allocation
“We Will Not Be Silent Anymore!”
The women stressed that Ilaje’s patience is wearing thin, and failure to act could lead to increased agitation.
“Our people are tired of empty promises. We demand action now, and we will no longer accept being treated as second-class citizens in our own land,” the statement concluded.
