The leadership and residents of Polobubo (Tsekelewu) and its bloc communities in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State have protested their exclusion from recently approved state infrastructure projects valued at over ₦400 billion. They expressed concern that their oil-producing area was overlooked despite its strategic economic importance.
In a statement signed by the President of the Polobubo bloc communities, Paul Toruwei, and Aboh Youth leader, Markson Juwoiye, the communities acknowledged the state government’s efforts to improve infrastructure elsewhere but criticized the omission as unfair and inequitable. They called for balanced development across all regions.
Polobubo (Tsekelewu) hosts major oil companies, including Chevron, NPDC, Sahara Energy, and Conoil, contributing over 20 percent of Delta State’s petroleum output. The communities argued that their economic contributions should warrant greater government attention to local infrastructure and accessibility.
The protesters highlighted long-standing deficits in roads, public facilities, and government presence, describing Polobubo as “the goose that lays the golden egg” for the state’s economy. They urged the government to revisit approved projects to include the Trans-Egbema Road and the Polobubo internal road network, previously planned under former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration.
They stressed the need for justice, equity, and inclusive development, calling on the state government to ensure fair distribution of infrastructure projects to host communities that significantly contribute to Delta State’s revenue. The statement emphasized that addressing these concerns is crucial for sustainable development and continued cooperation between the communities and government.