AfDB Office Complex: Imo Women Protest Over Lack of Open, Inclusive Consultations
from Tony Icheku, Owerri The women of Mgbara Community of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State has taken to the streets in protest against what they described as lack
In the Imo State town of Mgbara Egbema, women have taken to the streets in protest over the AfDB office complex project. They argue that the community was not adequately consulted before the land was appropriated for the development. With hundreds of women marching through Mmahu-Egbema, the local government headquarters, they chanted their demands for proper consultation and participation in the decision-making process.
The youth president of the community, Modrich Ajunwa, spoke on behalf of the women, stressing that the future and ancestral heritage of the entire community cannot be decided by a small group or two individuals behind closed doors. The women urge the AfDB to suspend the project until they are properly consulted. They do not oppose development in principle, but they want genuine development that respects their land, rights, culture, and collective interests.
Ajunwa warns that proceeding with the project under the current circumstances could exacerbate tension and division within the community. He emphasizes that the bank must conduct open, transparent, and inclusive consultations before considering any further action. The African Development Bank should directly listen to the people's concerns instead of relying on representations made by individual leaders or community representatives.
The women firmly stand for the protection of their community and ancestral heritage, fearing that the project could lead to conflict and avoidable tragedy.
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