By Nkechi Eze
The people of Okwuohia Autonomous Community in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State have raised a fresh alarm over the 22-year abandonment of the Umulogho–Okwuohia–Isinweke road, warning that the decaying project now poses an existential threat to the survival of the community.
In a strongly worded letter dated 26th August 2025 and addressed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), His Royal Highness, Eze Sir Dr. Uwajimogu Louis Chukwuemeka, Okwu II of Okwuohia Ancient Kingdom, described the situation as “heart-breaking and devastating.” He said the road, which serves as the community’s only access link to neighboring towns, was abandoned by contractors shortly after excavation works in 2003, leaving behind dangerous erosion gullies, flooding points, and degraded soil that has rendered the stretch nearly impassable.
“Our children are being forced out of schools, farmers cannot transport their produce, and businesses are dying daily. Okwuohia is on the verge of being completely cut off from Imo State if urgent government action is not taken,” the monarch declared.
The road, according to him, is critical as it connects Okwuohia to Umulogho, the Obowo LGA headquarters at Otoko, and the neighboring community of Isinweke. With its collapse, the people face growing isolation, dwindling economic activity, and worsening rural poverty.
Eze Uwajimogu appealed directly to the Managing Director of NDDC to urgently mobilize contractors back to site, stressing that the lives and livelihoods of his people depend on immediate government intervention.
“It is a matter of life and survival for our people. The government cannot continue to abandon Okwuohia. We demand urgent intervention before erosion swallows what is left of our community,” he added.
Speaking further on behalf of the community, Ichie Bede Ogueri Anyanwu (Nnanyereugo I of Okwuohia and Mayor of Abuja), who transmitted the monarch’s appeal, said the Okwuohia Development Union (ODU) fully backs the royal father’s call. He warned that continued silence from government agencies could deepen public distrust and fuel alienation between rural communities and state institutions.
For many residents, the road has become a symbol of broken promises, stalled development, and government neglect. What was once seen as a lifeline project for the community has, after two decades of abandonment, turned into a daily nightmare.
As Okwuohia’s cries grow louder, the demand is unmistakable: the community is calling for urgent action, not more promises.
