CSO Urges Unity Among Akwa Ibom Oil Community In Quest For Justice Against Gas Flaring

Health Of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has called upon the residents of Okoro-Utip in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State to come together in their pursuit of justice from both the government and oil companies operating in their region…CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This call was made following reports of divisions and incidents of sabotage that have hindered efforts to hold the government and oil companies accountable for environmental degradation in the community.

During a ‘Cycle of Reflection’ meeting with local farmers at Okoro Utip Community Hall, Stephen Oduware, the Project Lead of HOMEF, emphasized that oil companies often use tactics such as blackmail, intimidation, and division among the locals to deter them from fighting for their rights.

Oduware recalled how the community had faced intimidation and militarization in the past when attempting to protest against ongoing gas flaring and the lack of employment opportunities for their youth and women in the companies.

He expressed that if the community had united and spoken with one voice, the oil companies would not have been able to intimidate them.

Oduware encouraged the residents to come together, strategize as one, and demand what they rightfully deserve. He emphasized that HOMEF, as an organization, cannot fight for them in their absence.

In his words, “Today, we are challenging the people of Okoro-Utip to prioritize community solidarity. We aim to bring them to a point where they can unite for a common cause and demand what they are entitled to.

You cannot fight for the community without their active participation, so they need to understand the intricacies and strategies required to demand justice and put an end to gas flaring and other forms of social injustice.”