FACT CHECK: Did NDDC Solar Lights Meant for All of Ibeku End Up in Only Ibekuta and Uborji?

FACT CHECK: Did NDDC Solar Lights Meant for All of Ibeku End Up in Only Ibekuta and Uborji?

By Cecilia Anyanwu 

***




VERDICT: FALSE, according to the former and present President General of Ibeku Autonomous Community.


Rumours have been circulating in Akuwa Ibeku and Okwu na Uba alleging that solar streetlights installed in Ibekuta Ibeku and Uborji Ibeku were projects designated for the entire Ibeku Autonomous Community but were allegedly diverted or cornered by influential individuals from the two villages.


However, the former and present President General of Ibeku Autonomous Community, Chief Sir Jude Ohanaka and Chief Eugene Nwogu, have strongly debunked the allegation.


Speaking on the controversy, Sir Ohanaka and Chief Nwogu explained that Ibeku Autonomous Community consists of four villages: Akuwa, Okwu na Uba, Ibekuta and Uborji. He said the solar lights currently seen in Ibekuta and Uborji were not NDDC projects allegedly meant for the four villages, as suggested by the rumours.


According to them, the lights were acquired through the collective efforts and financial contributions of stakeholders from Ibekuta and Uborji.


Chief Nwogu explained that the two villages have, for years, pursued efforts to become a separate autonomous community. According to him, they have reportedly met virtually all the requirements necessary for autonomy, with the Staff of Office remaining the major outstanding issue.


He recalled the efforts of the late Prince Charles Iheanaetu, who, according to him, pursued the acquisition of the Staff of Office before his death. He added that the struggle has continued under other leaders, including Chief Emenike.


As part of their collective organisation and development efforts, stakeholders from Ibekuta and Uborji reportedly constituted a Board of Trustees (BOT) led by Chief Emenike and comprising other stakeholders from the two communities.


It was through this structure and their contributions, Chief Nwogu said, that the two villages were able to procure and install their solar lights.


WHY THE RUMOUR STARTED


The President Generals said the installation of the solar lights in Ibekuta and Uborji reportedly came as a surprise to residents of Akuwa and Okwu na Uba, leading to speculation that the project was funded or supplied by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the entire Ibeku community but was allegedly taken over by the two villages.


But Chief Nwogu dismissed that interpretation, insisting that the solar lights were the result of self-help and community contributions by Ibekuta and Uborji stakeholders.


WHAT ABOUT AKUWA AND OKWU NA UBA?

Rather than remaining behind, Akuwa stakeholders are also said to be exploring ways of mobilising resources to provide solar lighting for their own areas.


The development highlights an important lesson in community development: while government intervention remains desirable, organised communities can also pool resources, establish credible leadership structures and pursue projects that directly improve the lives of their people.


THE FACT CHECK CONCLUSION


Claim: NDDC provided solar lights for the entire Ibeku Autonomous Community, but influential people from Ibekuta and Uborji allegedly collected the lights for their villages.


Finding: FALSE, according to Chief Eugene Nwogu, President General of Ibeku Autonomous Community.


The facts presented: The solar lights in Ibekuta and Uborji were reportedly purchased through contributions and collective efforts by stakeholders from the two villages under their Board of Trustees.


Verdict: ❌ FALSE / NOT SUPPORTED BY THE AVAILABLE ACCOUNT.


This fact-check is based on the explanation provided by the former and present President Generals of Ibeku Autonomous Community, Chief Sir Jude Ohanaka and Chief Eugene Nwogu. Independent documentary evidence, including procurement records or official confirmation from NDDC, would further strengthen verification of the origin and funding of the solar lights.

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